Category: Press Release

Hirschauer Highlights Back to Business Program Grants

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Highlights Back to Business Program Grants

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As businesses continue to recover from the pandemic, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is encouraging small businesses to apply for the Back to Business grant program (B2B) from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our communities and help drive economic recovery,” Hirschauer said. “The Back to Business grant program will help the most vulnerable small businesses get back on track and create more jobs.”

B2B allocates $250 million for small businesses that have experienced significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Businesses that belong to the restaurant and tavern, hotel, and arts industries will have priority status for grants. DCEO will also be partnering with community-based organizations like Small Business Development Centers and other community partners to reach the most at need businesses. The application opens on Aug. 18, 2021. Business owners can obtain more information about the application process at dceo.illinois.gov.

“The road to recovery has to lift up our small businesses that have been hurt the most during the pandemic,” Hirschauer said. “The families who have invested their lives to the economic development of our communities must take priority for state investment, and we cannot continue to let them bear the brunt of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.”

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 Highlights Back to Business Program Grants appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer Hosts Free Community Shred Day

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Hosts Free Community Shred Day

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. –  To help local residents safely dispose of old documents, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Free Community Shred Day on Aug. 28 at Leman Middle School in West Chicago. 

“This shred event is an easy way to get rid of old, sensitive documents without worry,” Hirschauer said. “Instead of simply throwing out old bills, tax returns or any other documents with confidential or personally identifiable information, residents can bring their old papers to Leman Middle School and dispose of them safely.”

Hirschauer is hosting a Free Community Shred Day in partnership with state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Leman Middle School, located at 238 E. Hazel St. in West Chicago. The event is free and open to the public. Residents can bring up to 3 boxes or 2 paper bags of old documents with all paperclips and staples removed previously. Attendees are encouraged  to take precautions against COVID-19 by wearing a personal protective mask since children or other vulnerable individuals might be present. 

“Identity theft can affect anyone and shredding old documents can help reduce the chances of scammers or criminals getting ahold of personal information,” Hirschauer said. “I encourage all local residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect themselves against identity theft and to make their homes cleaner by getting rid of old documents in a safe manner.”

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 Hosts Free Community Shred Day appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer to Host Family Health Fair

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer to Host Family Health Fair

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As part of her commitment to bringing accessible services to her constituents, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a Family Health Fair on Saturday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in West Chicago.

“As we get ready to send our children back to school and we are also seeing a new rise in COVID-19 cases, I want to make sure the entire family is ready and healthy for the forthcoming school year, not just the kids,” said Hirschauer. “This health fair is a way for families to not only get free health check-ups, but learn how to stay healthy for the rest of the year.” 

Hirschauer’s Health Fair will be on Saturday, August 14 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, located at 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd. in West Chicago. Families will be able to get free vaccines, food from the local food pantry, school supplies, baby supplies, a health check and information about local services to ensure longevity and good health. Since the event will have children present, masks will be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

“I am excited to bring these resources to the people of the 49th District,” said Hirschauer. “I encourage anyone who can to come check out the fair and learn ways to stay healthy.”

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 to Host Family Health Fair appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer-Backed Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Combining her advocacy and work to end gun violence, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, supported  a comprehensive gun safety legislation package that was signed into law Monday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Gun violence is a multifaceted and complex issue that must be addressed on all fronts, from supporting law enforcement with the tools and technology they need to solve gun crimes and track illegally trafficked guns, to funding mental health, community-based violence intervention programs, and education,” said Hirschauer  “House Bill 562 is not a magic fix for the gun violence that plagues our state. It is, however, a crucially important step that we are taking today to prevent mass tragedies and everyday gun violence, and keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous people.”

House Bill 562, supported by Hirschauer, takes several steps to combat gun violence and streamlines the FOID applications process by:

  • Requiring federal background checks for all private gun sales
  • Directing $9 million in funding for mental health to communities most impacted by gun violence
  • Allowing for a single FOID/CCL card
  • Strengthening requirements for the Illinois State Police to monitor state and federal databases for people prohibited from owning guns
  • Creating a database of stolen guns
  • Allowing for voluntary fingerprinting as an incentive for reduced application fees and automatic renewal of gun licenses
  • Creating an appeals board for FOID applicants

“The gun violence that plagues our state takes many forms: suicides, homicides, intimate partner violence, police shootings—all of them are lethal,” said Hirschauer. “It is our job, as legislators, to enact public policies that will keep Illinoisans safe, and I will continue to fight for strong, common sense gun violence prevention initiatives. House Bill 592 is a step in the right direction, but we have a  lot more tough work to do.”

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 Comprehensive Gun Safety Legislation Signed into Law appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

Hirschauer-Backed Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer-Backed Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – To ensure education in Illinois reflects the diversity of the state, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, sponsored a new state law that requires Asian American history to be added to the school curriculum.

“This historic measure will make Illinois the first state in the country to require Asian American history to be taught in schools,” said Hirschauer. “We are in an unfortunate time when people of Asian descent are facing discrimination solely based on their ethnicity. This bill will not only work to combat discrimination against Asian Americans, but also ensure that people of every background in Illinois are recognized for their contributions in national and world history.” 

The Hirschauer-backed House Bill 376, also known as the Teaching Equitable Asian American History Act, was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker after receiving strong bipartisan support in both chambers of the General Assembly. Starting with the 2022-2023 school year, all public elementary and high school students will be required to complete a unit on Asian American history, including the history of Asian Americans in the Midwest and Illinois.

“Asian American history is American history,” said Hirschauer. “This legislation will not only better educate our youth, but also give Asian American students the chance to see their culture represented in the classroom. I am happy to see this much-needed legislation 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 Legislation to Teach Asian American History Signed into Law appeared first on Illinois House Democratic Caucus.

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)

Maura IL Icon

 

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.