Category: Press Release

Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and other state lawmakers from Colorado, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, met with senior White House officials on Wednesday to discuss extreme risk protection order legislation.

“When we remove guns from the hands of reckless individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others, we can prevent mass shootings, firearm suicides, and other gun-related deaths and injuries. Though Illinois has made tremendous progress on this front through the Firearms Restraining Order Act, there’s still work to be done to keep guns away from dangerous people and keep our communities safe,” Hirschauer said. “I am pleased that Illinois continues to be a model other states can follow when it comes to responsible gun safety legislation, and I am grateful to learn from the other states present.”

Illinois passed the Firearm Restraining Order Act in 2018, which allows members of an individual’s household and law enforcement officers to petition a court for an order to prevent the individual from accessing firearms if the court finds they present a significant danger. Building on that significant legislation, Hirschauer recently introduced House Bill 1404, which aims to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and expands the petitioners for extreme risk laws to intimate dating partners.

“Gun violence knows no borders, so solutions to the gun violence epidemic should not either. It was a privilege to collaborate with other states on this serious issue, and I look forward to seeing how our work creates safer communities nationwide,” Hirschauer said. “We have a long way to go to prevent gun violence, but I am confident that through meaningful legislative actions, we can keep our children and families safe.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

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

Hirschauer Appointed to Medicaid Working Group

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Appointed to Medicaid Working Group

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue to seek bipartisan solutions to strengthen Illinois’ Medicaid program as a new member of the Medicaid Working Group.

“All Illinoisans, regardless of race, income level, or zip code, deserve access to affordable health care. Though Illinois has made great progress expanding health care coverage these last few years, there is still much more work to be done,” Hirschauer said. “Medicaid serves our most vulnerable Illinoisans in a variety of ways, from community violence intervention programs, to life saving health care, and early childhood services for our youngest Illinoisans. As a member of the Medicaid Working Group, I will work to strengthen and improve access to these essential health care services.”

The Medicaid Working Group is a collection of Democratic lawmakers tasked with reviewing Medicaid legislation, rules, and policies. The group also proposes legislation based on their review to expand access to health care services, preserve existing health care coverage, and increase equity within Illinois’ health care system.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

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

Hirschauer Outlines Budget Priorities in Response to Governor’s Address

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement in response to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday:

“As we embark on this year’s budget negotiations, I will advocate for a fair and responsible budget that funds key human services, uplifts working families, and keeps Illinois on a path of fiscal responsibility and financial growth.

“We must continue to rebuild Illinois’ fiscal house and revitalize the workforce that has gone to bat for us during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. This includes investing in workforce development within education, health care, and child care so that we can continue to benefit from these critical industries. As we craft this year’s budget, we must prioritize public education funding and expanding safe, affordable child care because we know access to education and child care allows for upward mobility and better health and economic outcomes for our children and families. Moreover, we must continue to bolster community safety by tackling the root causes of violence so that all Illinoisans, regardless of zip code, can feel safe going to school, work, and more.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to come up with a budget that not only meets the needs of our communities, but prioritizes the health, safety, and wellbeing of Illinois’ most vulnerable.”

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(D-Batavia)
49th District

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

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

Hirschauer to Prioritize Childcare, Education and Environmental Policy on Key Committees

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will work to improve Illinois’ public school system, prioritize affordable childcare, and advocate for policies that protect the environment as a member of crucial House committees focused on education, child welfare and energy.

“With a new session underway, I am ready to work and pass legislation that will help move our state forward. Students statewide deserve the same opportunities regardless of their zip code,” Hirschauer said. “I plan on working to ensure our schools stay strong and improve our opportunities for students all over Illinois.”

Hirschauer will serve as the vice chair of the Child Care Access and Early Childhood Education Committee where she will focus on bringing quality, affordable childcare to Illinois families, and supporting the needs of our critical early childhood workforce. Additionally, she will serve on the budget committees responsible for education and human services. Hirschauer will also serve on the Housing Committee and Environment & Energy Committee. 

Hirschauer will use her experience as an early childhood educator and first grade teacher to guide her committee work. She will advocate to bring more resources to special education, mental health, and early intervention services to eliminate the ever widening achievement gap.

In the Energy and Environment committee, Hirschauer will continue to support legislation that promotes clean energy solutions and establishes more renewable energy in Illinois.

“I am excited for the work ahead and look forward to working with my colleagues across the aisle to pass meaningful legislation,” Hirschauer said. “My goal is for Illinois to be the best state to raise your family – with abundant and affordable childcare, excellent schools and healthcare services, safe communities, and great jobs.”

For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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

Hirschauer Passes Bill Requiring Five Days of Paid Time Off For Employees

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Passes Bill Requiring Five Days of Paid Time Off For Employees

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — Every employee of Illinois will be guaranteed at least five days of paid leave for personal every year use under legislation passed by state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia

“As a working parent, I understand the struggles that follow unexpected illnesses and childcare,” said Hirschauer. “Unfortunately, we live in a society where not all parents can take leave to care for their sick children. That is why I fully back this legislation that allows parents to take off during those unfortunate and unexpected circumstances, and ensures all workers have time to tend to family or personal matters. Requiring that all employees receive paid leave is just one way that we are working to protect Illinois families.”

Hirschauer voted to pass Senate Bill 208, The Paid Leave for All Workers Act, which requires all employers to grant their employees working a minimum of 40 hours a week five days of paid leave per year for personal use. Under this legislation, workers can earn paid leave starting on their first day of employment, which translates to one hour of leave for every 40 hours of work.

Hirschauer’s vote also ensures that employees will be permitted to use their paid leave as soon as the 90th day of employment. However, employers hold the right to allow workers to use paid leave earlier. Paid leave may be used as employees desire to conduct any personal business without providing a reason for the absence or any documentation or certification.

Employers hold the authority to require employees to provide notice before taking paid time off. Up to 40 hours of unused paid leave can be carried over into the following year. However, employers will not be required to cash out the balance of an outgoing employee’s paid leave.

Employers who violate the act would be subjected to penalties, which include fines and compensatory damages for the affected employee.

For more information, please contact office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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

Kane County Legislators Respond to Kane County Sheriff’s Statement on the Assault Weapons Ban

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — In response to recent statements by the Kane County Sheriff misrepresenting the Protect Illinois Communities Act, the state lawmakers representing Kane County issued a letter to county residents to clarify the law and ensure its enforcement in the interest of public safety. Signatories include state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, and state Rep. Suzanne Ness, D-Carpentersville.

“The Protect Illinois Communities Act was the culmination of hundreds of hours of negotiations among survivors, law enforcement and other stakeholders. This landmark legislation will vastly improve public safety and reduce gun violence. Illinoisans spoke out against assault weapons and we answered their call. It is time for every elected official to do the same,” said Hirschauer, a chief co-sponsor of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. “As Kane County’s state representatives, we are eager to collaborate with the Illinois State Police, the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General, the Kane County Sheriff, and local law enforcement to ensure that this life-saving law is successfully implemented.”

In the letter, the lawmakers disprove misinformation about the Act and highlight recent state investments in mental health services and law enforcement as important components of gun violence prevention. The letter can be found here.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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

A Letter to the People of Kane County

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
A Letter to the People of Kane County

To the People of Kane County:

We are four Illinois State Representatives that represent many of you and your families in Kane County. Like you and so many others who have contacted us in recent days, we are disappointed by the recent statement from the Kane County Sheriff that misrepresents the Protect Illinois Communities Act. We are additionally alarmed by statements from sheriffs across the state that call into question the constitutionality of the law. Sheriff offices have no authority to determine the constitutionality of a law–that is up to the courts. Nor can they pick and choose which laws to enforce; they must enforce them all.

This bipartisan law is the product of hundreds of hours of negotiations and advocacy from across our shared community, including with the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Association of Police Chiefs, and the Illinois Association of Sheriffs. Law enforcement was given a seat at the negotiating table and several of their changes were incorporated into the final bill.

Many of us have been working on gun violence prevention policy for years, and we recognize that gun violence is a complex and multifaceted public health crisis and each piece of the puzzle deserves attention. We agree with the Kane Sheriff that expanding funding and access to mental health services is an important component of gun violence prevention. That is why we have invested over $500 million in community based violence interruption programs, including diversion programs and youth employment opportunities. We have expanded tele-health for mental health providers, and designated that 20% of the revenue from cannabis sales go directly toward statewide mental health funding.

We also agree with Sheriff Hain that another key factor in preventing gun violence is assuring that law enforcement has the tools and technology they need to solve crimes – which is why we supported over $200 million in new funding for law enforcement. In fact, this Act provides further protection to our law enforcement as assault rifles, extended magazines, and rapid-fire modifications put law enforcement at particular risk. A statewide ban of assault weapons, high capacity magazines, and switches protects and supports our police.

We are concerned that the sheriff’s statement will create confusion as we work to implement the law over the coming months. Despite what the sheriff would like you to believe this Act puts forth negotiated provisions to protect law abiding gun owners: it is not a gun grab. The law does not require the seizure of assault weapons and large capacity magazines. Nor does it dictate that the sheriff’s department go door to door checking FOID cards and gun cabinets.

Instead, the Act gives law-abiding gun owners over 300 days to apply for an endorsement on their FOID cards that will ensure that they lawfully keep any assault-style weapons that were lawfully purchased and possessed prior to January 11, 2023.

Illinoisans have experienced too much gun violence, with impacts that go beyond the devastating loss of life or physical injury. Lingering trauma destroys us from within and to force our constituents to endure these effects is negligent and reprehensible. By banning the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines, and switches in Illinois, the Protect Illinois Communities Act makes our schools, parades, grocery stores, places of worship, and workplaces safer from the gun violence that is a threat to our wellbeing everywhere.

We intend to work collaboratively with the Illinois State Police, the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General, the Kane County Sheriff, and local law enforcement to ensure that this life-saving law is successfully implemented. We invite Sheriff Hain to contact us directly with his concerns and questions as we move forward cooperatively, in the interest of community safety.

Sincerely,
Rep. Barbara Hernandez, 50th District
Rep. Maura Hirschauer, 49th District
Rep. Anna Moeller, 43rd District
Rep. Suzanne Ness, 66th District

Kane-Legislators-Assault-Weapons-Ban-Statement-1-2023Download

A Letter to the People of DuPage County

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
A Letter to the People of DuPage County

To the People of DuPage County:

We are the 16 Illinois State Senators and Representatives that represent the overwhelming majority of you and your families in DuPage County. Like so many concerned individuals who have contacted us in recent days, we are dismayed and angered by the recent pronouncement by the DuPage County Sheriff to unilaterally direct his office to flout and disregard the duly passed and signed Protect Illinois Communities Act. The Sheriff has no authority to determine the constitutionality of a law–that is up to the courts. Nor can he pick and choose which laws to enforce; he must enforce them all.

This bipartisan law was the product of hundreds of hours of negotiations and advocacy from across our shared community and constituents. It will fight the senseless barrage of gun violence that has plagued our state for far too long. By banning the sale and distribution of assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines, and switches in Illinois, the Act makes our schools, neighborhoods, parades, grocery stores, and workplaces safer from the gun violence that is a threat to our wellbeing everywhere.

The DuPage County Sheriff’s intention to violate his sworn duty to uphold our state’s laws is a dereliction of duty and puts our safety at risk. The Sheriff’s words send a clear message that lawbreakers are welcome here. Should any related tragedy occur within our borders, not only will he bear responsibility for the resulting and everlasting scars upon our community, but he also will put our livelihoods and property tax dollars at risk, as his declaration now opens us up to financial liability.

Please know that even if the DuPage County Sheriff will not do his job to protect you, we as your Illinois Senators and Representatives are already doing so with the full weight of our offices. We are working closely with the Illinois State Police, the Governor’s Office, the Attorney General, and additional levels of state and local government and law enforcement to ensure that we will fill the void left when the sheriff abandoned his duty to protect our community. We will never abandon the constituents that we have sworn to serve, not only in DuPage County, but for the whole state.

Sincerely,

DuPage-Legislators-Assault-Weapons-Ban-Statement-1-2023Download

Senator Laura Ellman, 21st District
Senator Laura Murphy, 28th District
Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton, 23rd District
Senator Rachel Ventura, 43rd District
Senator Karina Villa, 25th District
Rep. Dagmara Avelar, 85th District
Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, 46th District
Rep. Terra Costa Howard, 42nd District

Rep. Barbara Hernandez, 50th District
Rep. Norma Hernandez, 77th District
Rep. Maura Hirschauer, 49th District
Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, 84th District
Rep. Jenn Ladisch Douglass, 45th District
Rep. Michelle Mussman, 56th District
Rep. Anne Stava-Murray, 81st District
Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, 41st District

Hirschauer to Prioritize Gun Violence Prevention, Working Families in Second Term

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer to Prioritize Gun Violence Prevention, Working Families in Second Term

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After taking the oath of office for the 103rd General Assembly, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement: “I am incredibly thankful that my neighbors have once again entrusted me to represent their needs and interests in Springfield.

This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly, and I promise to continue serving with the honor and integrity our community deserves.

“As your state representative, my highest priority is to support working families and children across Illinois. This includes continuing our efforts to further reduce gun violence, strengthen our public education system, increase access to affordable health care, and improve affordability for working families. Though we have made tremendous progress on many of these fronts, our fight is far from over. I am confident that with continued collaboration and compromise among legislators on both sides of the aisle, Illinois’ future is as bright as ever.”

Hirschauer Sends Assault Weapons Ban to Governor

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

UPDATE: Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Banning Assault Weapons and Sale of High-Capacity Magazines

 

Original release, Jan 6, 2023
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After months of negotiation and advocacy, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, helped pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act Tuesday. The bill now heads to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for signature.

“Gun violence touches all corners of our state, from urban centers to rural towns and everywhere in between. For far too long, we’ve let these weapons of war roam our streets and enact unspeakable violence against innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “Today, the Illinois General Assembly said no more. No more senseless violence. No more assault weapons. Though this ban cannot bring back those whose lives were lost to gun violence, the bill we passed today will undoubtedly save many lives and prevent unspeakable tragedy for generations to come,”

The Protect Illinois Communities Act is the culmination of months of negotiation among advocates, survivor groups, the Senate and the Governor. The proposal will ban the sale of weapons such as assault rifles, high-capacity magazines, and rapid-fire modifications that make semiautomatic weapons function like automatic weapons. The bill also creates a state police anti-trafficking unit to collaborate with federal law enforcement agencies to combat the flow of illegal guns across state lines, and expands and strengthens Illinois’ red flag law.

“I am immensely proud of my colleagues in both chambers for standing up for the safety and wellbeing of Illinois families and communities,” Hirschauer said. “But today’s action will not and can not be the end of our work to prevent gun violence. We have a long road to go to keep guns off our streets and protect those we hold dear. Today we celebrate. Tomorrow, we get back to work.”

For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.gov.

Rep. Maura HirschauerHirschauer Meets with White House Leaders on Gun Violence Prevention Legislation

(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