Category: Press Release

Hirschauer-Backed Law to Improve Access to Birth Control

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Law to Improve Access to Birth Control

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Hormonal contraceptives will soon be available without a doctor’s prescription in Illinois under a new law backed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia.

“Birth control is not only a safe and effective way to prevent unintended pregnancy, but also commonly used to manage painful periods and symptoms of certain medical conditions,” said Hirschauer. “Birth control saves and changes lives, and it should be easily accessible. This new law reduces barriers to reproductive health care, giving more women the ability to choose the birth control method that’s best for their health, lifestyle and priorities.”

Signed into law on Thursday, the Hirschauer-sponsored House Bill 135 creates a pathway for pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception in Illinois. By making birth control available over the counter, the measure eliminates the need to visit a doctor’s office to obtain or renew a prescription.

“There are a variety of circumstances that may make it difficult for women to fit in a doctor’s appointment, including a busy work schedule, lack of child care or unreliable transportation,” said Hirschauer. “Allowing women to get birth control directly from a pharmacist is a critical step toward improving equitable access to reproductive health care in Illinois, and I am glad to see this bill signed into law.”

​

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer-Backed Law to Improve Access to Birth Control appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Empowering Sexual Assault Survivors Signed into Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Empowering Sexual Assault Survivors Signed into Law

Survivors of sexual assault are empowered by new law that goes into effect immediately

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Survivors of sexual assault will receive up-to-date information about Illinois’ online tracking system for evidence collection kits under legislation introduced by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which was signed into law on Friday.

“Survivors who report a sexual assault deserve assurance that their case will be handled appropriately and promptly,” said Hirschauer. “Being able to track their evidence kit and trust it’s being processed can help survivors move forward with confidence, but only if they know they have this option.”

In 2020, the Illinois State Police launched an online tracking system called CheckPoint, which allows survivors of sexual assault to monitor their evidence kit in real time throughout the analysis process. Hirschauer’s House Bill 1739 pushes hospital staff and law enforcement to explain how to use the tracking system in their interactions with survivors.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the measure into law on Friday.

“It’s critical that our state laws on sexual assault take into account the human element of this horrific crime, and that we’re providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care for each and every survivor,” said Hirschauer. “This new law empowers survivors, ensures they’re not kept in the dark because of bureaucracy and helps them regain a sense of control.”

“It’s critical that our state laws on sexual assault take into account the human element of this horrific crime, and that we’re providing comprehensive, trauma-informed care for each and every survivor. This new law empowers survivors, ensures they’re not kept in the dark because of bureaucracy and helps them regain a sense of control.”

unanimous support in house & senate

senate sponsor Karina villa

HB1739 on ILGA.GOV (Public Act 102-0022)

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Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement Tuesday at the end of the spring legislative session:

“As we begin to move forward from the pandemic, it’s crucial that we continue to provide support to those most heavily impacted by it. I voted to pass a responsible budget that works to deliver meaningful relief to residents and businesses, while also protecting essential services that our most vulnerable rely on.

“More than ever before, the COVID pandemic has exposed the need to make health care more affordable. Employees who lose their jobs or need to take time off to care for a loved one should still have access to health insurance. I sponsored several measures to expand access to coverage and reduce high health care costs, so families can better afford their prescriptions and medically necessary procedures.

“I also worked to address the pandemic’s continuing impact on housing by supporting economic assistance for homeowners, renters and landlords who lost the ability to make their payments. The pandemic and its restrictions were incredibly difficult for small business owners and employees, it’s important that we continue to take steps to support job creation and respond to economic concerns in the coming months.

“Gun violence, which has tragically plagued our communities for years, did not stop during the pandemic.  In the final few days of session, I passed a bill that I first began working on as a volunteer with Moms Demand Action, the Fix the FOID Act. This bill improves the state’s gun owner licensing laws, and works in tandem with another gun safety measure I supported to prevent mass shootings by disarming people who pose a risk to others or themselves. 

“While we accomplished a lot this spring to build a stronger and safer Illinois, more needs to be done. I look forward to continuing my work with members of our community to address the challenges we will face in the days ahead.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Passes Responsible Budget, Fights for Economic Recovery, Health Care and Gun Safety appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Fighting to curb the flow of illegal firearms and prevent violence, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed legislation Saturday to strengthen the state’s gun licensing system. Hirschauer’s House Bill 1091, dubbed the Block Illegal Ownership and Fix the FOID bill, now moves to the Senate for consideration. 

“Gun violence is a public health issue that affects far too many families and communities,” said Hirschauer, a longtime volunteer with the gun safety group Moms Demand Action. “As the Aurora shooting tragically illustrated, there are loopholes in Illinois’ gun laws that allow dangerous criminals to possess and use firearms, even after their FOID card has been revoked. This bill takes crucial steps toward preventing the ongoing plague of gun violence and mass shootings.” 

The evidence-based gun safety measure makes several changes to Illinois’ gun owner licensing laws by:

  • Requiring background checks for all gun purchases, including person-to-person, private sales;
  • Verifying the identity FOID card applicants through a one-time fingerprint check;  
  • Enabling the Illinois State Police to retrieve guns once a FOID card is revoked; and
  • Dedicating life-saving mental health funding for communities most impacted by gun violence. 

“As a longtime commonsense gun reform advocate, I commend my colleague Rep. Maura Hirschauer for her leadership on this bill which shuts the door on existing loopholes in current law to prevent firearms from reaching the hands of bad actors,” said Rep. Kathleen Willis. “The proliferation of gun violence in our communities and across the country needs to be met with evidence-based gun violence prevention measures, and that is precisely what this bill does.”

“Protecting loved ones from gun violence is a visceral issue that connects with people across the state, especially parents,” said Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “I’m proud to support Rep. Hirschauer’s bill because it offers proven measures that will keep kids and families safe. This is a straightforward proposal to address gun violence given the decades-long stalemate at the federal level, and I hope my Senate colleagues give it strong consideration.”

Numerous studies have shown the widespread threat of gun violence. Nearly 1,400 Illinoisans die every year due to gun violence, one in 10 being children or teenagers. Nearly 40 percent of gun deaths are due to suicide, also highlighting the importance of another gun safety bill passed by the House earlier this session: Rep. Stoneback’s bill, House Bill 1092, to improve Firearm Restraining Orders to prevent those who may pose harm to themselves or others from acquiring a gun. 

For more information about either bill bill, visit ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Passes Comprehensive Gun Safety Measure to Block Illegal Ownership, Improve FOID Card Process appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Joins House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Joins House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has been appointed to serve on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee for the remainder of the 2021-2022 legislative session, pledging to be a strong advocate for military families and veterans seeking support to meet their housing, employment and health care needs.

“After a COVID outbreak led to dozens of lives lost at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home, I knew it was important that the state take a serious look at the quality of care being provided to our veterans,” said Hirschauer. “Supporting the heroes who sacrificed for our safety should always be a priority, and I will use my position on this committee to explore some of the major areas where veterans are being underserved.”

The Veterans’ Affairs Committee considers all legislation pertaining to veterans’ benefits, health care and state-run veterans’ homes and also works closely with the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Recently, the panel held a hearing to review insufficient safety protocols and leadership decisions that fueled a deadly coronavirus outbreak at the LaSalle facility. Moving forward, Hirschauer and other members of the committee will continue to monitor the quality of long-term health care provided to veterans, as well as work to improve their access to education, mental health care, housing, employment and other services.

“I’m excited to get to work and continue to bring forth legislation that benefits our veterans,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, veterans face many challenges both in transitioning to civilian life and gaining access to care as they age, and this committee will play an important role in eliminating existing barriers to better protect and honor those who served.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Joins House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Menstruating students in 4th through 12th grade would have free access to tampons and pads in school bathrooms under a plan sponsored by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, which passed the House last week.

“Everyone who menstruates can relate to the discomfort and embarrassment that comes with not having access to period products when you’re bleeding through your clothes,” said Hirschauer. “There are so many reasons why students might not have a tampon or pad with them. For those from low-income families, it’s often an added expense they simply can’t afford. And regardless of their financial situation, younger students who are starting their period for the first time will probably be caught off guard and without a pad.”  

Under current state law, schools are required to make menstrual products available to students in at least one bathroom in the building, which is typically located within the nurse’s office. The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 156 aims to make these products more easily accessible by requiring they be stocked in all bathrooms that students use.

“If a student realizes they’ve started their period during the school day, we want them to be able to quickly and discretely get what they need so they can return to class,” said Hirschauer. “This bill recognizes that periods are a normal part of life and that menstrual products are as much of a necessity as other hygiene items like soap and toilet paper. I was glad to see it pass the House recently and look forward to this bill becoming law.”  

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post House Passes Hirschauer-Backed Plan to Increase Access to Menstrual Products appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To combat discrimination and help doctors better meet the needs of their LGBTQ patients, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is sponsoring legislation that would mandate anti-bias training for health care professionals in Illinois.

“Everyone deserves to feel valued and understood at their doctor’s office and to receive quality health care services,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQ community report experiencing bias and discriminatory treatment, and sometimes being denied care altogether due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is unacceptable and exemplifies the need for better training for health care providers to address these barriers to care.” 

The Biden administration announced Monday that health care providers cannot discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, reversing a Trump-era policy that eliminated anti-discrimination protections for transgender people. Hirschauer’s legislation, House Bill 3170, would further support the well-being of LGBTQ Illinoisans by requiring doctors to complete a training program on implicit bias in order to renew their license. Intended to promote more equitable and inclusive health care practices, the training would include information on how to identify unconscious biases and misinformation, ways to reduce discrimination and stigma, and tips for communicating more effectively with people who identify as sexual minorities.

“The reinstated protections at the federal level are a significant step in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do to make sure our health systems are providing LGBTQ-inclusive care,” said Hirschauer. “Ongoing education and training for doctors will help them establish trust with their patients, treat them with respect and improve access to quality care.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Maura Hirschauer

(D-Batavia)
49th District

Springfield Office:
276-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-1653

District Office:
946 Neltnor Blvd #108
West Chicago IL 60185

The post Hirschauer Bill Supports Inclusive Health Care for LGBTQ Patients appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Backs Bill to Disarm Potential Mass Shooters

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is fighting to keep guns out of the hands of potentially violent individuals,

having recently voted to pass a measure to strengthen specific firearm restrictions for people who pose a risk to themselves or others.

“When someone is exhibiting dangerous behaviors, taking appropriate precautions is critical for their own safety and the safety of everyone around them,” said Hirschauer. “A short-term hold on the person’s ability to purchase or possess a firearm may very well prevent a catastrophic shooting event, but it’s incumbent on those closest to them and law enforcement officials working together—and quickly—to respond if someone is a possible threat.”

Hirschauer is sponsoring House Bill 1092, which expands the scope of Illinois’ “red flag” law, under which close family or household members can petition a judge to temporarily remove guns from a person who poses a threat to others or themselves. Red flag laws, also known as Extreme Risk Protection Order laws, have received renewed attention recently, as Indiana’s version could have potentially prevented an April mass shooting at a FedEx facility had it been used to its fullest extent.

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 1092 strengthens the original Illinois law that took effect in 2019, expanding who can petition the courts for a firearms restraining order to include former spouses and partners who share a child with a potential shooter. To ensure law enforcement officers are familiar with how the law is supposed to work, the measure creates a training program for local authorities, as well as a public awareness campaign to empower more people to use it.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk,” said Hirschauer. “By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

House Bill 1092 passed the House last week and now awaits consideration in the Senate.

“Red flag laws are intended to help people in crisis access mental health services and supports while unarmed, so they can reclaim their gun rights when they’re no longer a risk. By educating both law enforcement and the public on how to use the state’s law effectively, this measure will help curb gun violence and save lives in our communities.”

 

House Veterans Affairs Committee Held Hearing on LaSalle Veterans Home Failures

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
House Veterans Affairs Committee Held Hearing on LaSalle Veterans Home Failures

Committee members focused on preventing future managerial and operational errors that contributed to the tragic covid-19 outbreak

Today, the House Veterans Affairs Committee held a hearing on the tragic, preventable COVID-19 outbreak at the LaSalle Veterans Home, which resulted in thirty-six saddening deaths. Witnesses from the hearing included Deputy Governor Sol Flores, Department of Veterans (IDVA) Affairs Director Terry
Prince and Assistant Director Anthony Vaughn, and Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. 

Following the investigatory report from the Illinois Department of Human Services Inspector General, today’s hearing featured a series of hard, direct questions from a group of bipartisan legislators.

“The goal of today’s hearing was to understand the leadership and operational gaps that led to this tragedy so we can determine what legislative recourse we should pursue,” said committee Chairwoman Stephanie Kifowit. “This is a grave matter that is far above politics and partisanship. The State of Illinois failed our veterans, and we need to work together to prevent this from ever happening again.”

In the hearing, Representative Yednock, whose district covers the LaSalle Veterans Home, zeroed in on the staffing gaps that contributed to the crisis, including the lack of a senior home administrator who would have been in charge of managing medical care.

“Unfortunately, this tragedy could have been prevented. We must keep top medical positions filled so that expertise can inform day-to-day operations and care,” said Representative Lance Yednock. “Veterans have dedicated their lives to our state and country, and we owe them much more than the
kind of neglect outlined in the Inspector General’s (IG) report. I am confident new leadership at Veterans Affairs will help. Still, we need to exercise our oversight responsibility as legislators to make sure we close the gaps, protect our veterans, and take care of anyone under the care of state-run homes.”

Members also focused on the causes of the hiring delays at state homes for veterans, such as workforce development and access to protective equipment.

“If as a state we ask people to enter careers of medical and health care, we need to make sure they can provide these essential services while protecting themselves too,” said Representative Maura Hirschauer.

“We also need to make sure our facilities and medical staff never fall out of compliance in the first place,” added Representative Yang Rohr. “Thoughtful care and oversight means developing proactive solutions, and that will be our north star as legislators.”

Following this hearing, committee members will continue their legislative inquiry for additional details to inform legislative solutions that will be considered this year.

“Serious, sober work lies ahead to make sure we exercise our legislative oversight and collaborate with the Senate, Governor’s office, IDPH and IDVA to get this right,” said Vice-Chairman Michael Halpin. “The IG’s report outlined what failed; now our job is to identify solutions.”

“Protecting our veterans is one of my top priorities,” said Representative Dave Vella. “I appreciate the answers provided today so we and our constituents understand what happened, and we are assured there will be continued action with haste and thoroughness.”

In the meantime, Chairwoman Kifowit and members express appreciation for and confidence in Director Terry Prince as the new leader of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Committee members also thank Dr. Ezike and Deputy Governor Sol Flores for their honest assessment and ongoing commitment to our
veterans and their care.

“If as a state we ask people to enter careers of medical and health care, we need to make sure they can provide these essential services while protecting themselves too.”

 

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