Category: Press Release

Rep. Hirschauer Appointed to Community Health Workers Review Board

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Appointed to Community Health Workers Review Board

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will help lead an effort to review and improve the training programs of community health workers as a part of the newly established Community Health Workers Review Board.

“Community health workers play an essential role in maintaining and improving the wellbeing of our families and communities at large,” Hirschauer said. “We must ensure they have access to the most effective and efficient training and certification processes so that they can continue to provide high quality health care for those who need it.”

The Community Health Workers Review Board is tasked with advising the Illinois Department of Health as they develop an Illinois Community Health Worker Certification Program. The board will recommend standards, review proposed regulations and provide feedback about training programs and reimbursement schedules. The board will also provide an annual report to the Office of the Governor and the General Assembly about the progress of the program.

“Everyone benefits when community health workers have the tools and certification they need to perform to the best of their ability,” Hirschauer said. “I am honored to have been appointed to the Community Health Workers Review Board and I am eager to collaborate with my colleagues and stakeholders to improve health care training and regulations.”

For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com or 331-465-9661

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer, Sen. Villa Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies to Families in Need

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer, Sen. Villa Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies to Families in Need

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — To help families prepare for the new school year, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, partnered with WeGo Together for Kids to hand out hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to local students.

“Thanks to the generosity of dozens of community organizations, West Chicago students will have what they need to learn and thrive in the classroom,” Hirschauer said. “I am tremendously proud of our community for coming together and helping those in need. When we work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our young people.”

Hirschauer and Villa co-hosted WeGo Together for Kids’ seventh annual school supply event in late August, distributing 976 backpacks to School District 33 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During her time in the Illinois General Assembly, Hirschauer has been a fierce advocate for education. Most recently, she passed a budget that increases evidence-based education funding by $350 million and invests millions of dollars in special and early childhood education.

“I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a giving community,” said Villa. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the local organizations and community members who came together to help our students start the year off on the right foot.”

For a full list of donors, please visit https://repmaura.tiny.us/backpacks22.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer, Sen. Villa Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies to Families in Need

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer, Sen. Villa Distribute Backpacks, School Supplies to Families in Need

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — To help families prepare for the new school year, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, partnered with WeGo Together for Kids to hand out hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies to local students.

“Thanks to the generosity of dozens of community organizations, West Chicago students will have what they need to learn and thrive in the classroom,” Hirschauer said. “I am tremendously proud of our community for coming together and helping those in need. When we work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our young people.”

Hirschauer and Villa co-hosted WeGo Together for Kids’ seventh annual school supply event in late August, distributing 976 backpacks to School District 33 students from kindergarten to eighth grade. During her time in the Illinois General Assembly, Hirschauer has been a fierce advocate for education. Most recently, she passed a budget that increases evidence-based education funding by $350 million and invests millions of dollars in special and early childhood education.

“I couldn’t be prouder to represent such a giving community,” said Villa. “I’m incredibly
grateful for all the local organizations and community members who came together to help our
students start the year off on the right foot.”

Our office thanks all of the partners who made this backpack event possible:

  • Art of Fadez
  • Atlas Chicken
  • AVIENT
  • ComEd
  • Costco Wholesale
  • DuPage County Regional Office of Education
  • Dynamic Utility Solutions
  • Elgin Sweepers
  • Ethekos Consulting
  • Farmers Insurance
  • Graham Packaging
  • Hearth & Hammer
  • Integrated Pain Management
  • JelSert
  • Lakeshore Recycling Systems
  • LandCare
  • Marian Chicago
  • Mars
  • Meridian
  • Nationwide
  • North Arrow Partners
  • Owens & Minor
  • Realty of Chicago
  • Red Hive Market
  • RJ Lipscomb Engineering
  • Sandi Llano and Associates
  • St. Andrew Lutheran Church
  • Suncast
  • The Kelly Family
  • The Slice Spot
  • Thoro Bred Fitness
  • UPS
  • Wise Plastics
large room with volunteers organizing school supplies. Backpacks are in front, followed by notebooks and folders.
Volunteers pack bags early in the week.
Two workers packing bags: Sarah Norton from WeGo Together for Kids and Mariah Perez from State Representative Maura Hirschauer's office pose with a backpack in hand.
Sarah Norton from WeGo Together for Kids and Mariah Perez from Rep Hirschauer’s District Office
Filled backpacks are neatly placed, covering most of the floor of a large room.
Packed bags cover the floor, waiting to be transported to the event site.
Filled backpacks arranged on a table and on the ground, ready for pickup outdoors. Tents with more tables and backpacks are visible in the background.
1000 bags sit neatly at the event site, ready to be distributed.
Rep Hirschauer, smiles as she waits for the next round of vehicles to arrive. She carries orange bags with coupons and information on community resources that will be given to each car.
Rep Hirshauer distributed many of the bags containing community resource information and coupons.
Cars in line to receive backpacks are greeted by volunteers who write the family's backpack needs on a paper.
Sen Villa works with volunteers to gather information from families.
Senator Villa and Representative Hirschauer sit in the shade with backpacks visible on the table in front of them and on the ground behind them.
Senator Villa and Representative Hirschauer take a break in the shade during a lull in vehicle traffic.

Rep. Hirschauer Brings Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Local Schools

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Brings Mobile Museum of Tolerance to Local Schools

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, in partnership with state Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, and state Rep. Seth Lewis, R-Bartlett, is inviting residents to experience the Mobile Museum of Tolerance. The museum will visit Hawk Hollow Elementary School, Sunnydale Elementary School and Kenyon Woods Middle School from Sept. 6-9.

“As we experience a rise in hate crimes nationwide, teaching our children to respect and celebrate people of different races, religions and cultures is now more important than ever,” Hirschauer said. “Education plays a key role in promoting tolerance and civility, and I am so excited to bring this outstanding educational opportunity to our community.”

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is an initiative of the Simon Wiesenthal Center aimed at empowering people to stand against racism, antisemitism and all forms of hate. The museum uses technology and interactive lessons to spread the message of tolerance and promote human dignity.

“We are all responsible for creating a community where everyone is welcomed and respected,” Hirschauer said.  “I invite everyone to visit and learn from the Mobile Museum of Tolerance so we can create a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.”

Members of the public can visit the museum at Hawk Hollow Elementary on Sept. 6 from 2:30-4 p.m. at 235 Jacaranda Dr. in Bartlett or at Sunnydale Elementary on Sept. 7 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at 716 Sunnydale Blvd. in Streamwood. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com or 331-465-9661.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer to Host Job Fair at Elgin Community College

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer to Host Job Fair at Elgin Community College

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is hosting a job fair on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Elgin Community College Building E-1700 Spartan Drive in Elgin. The event, hosted in partnership with state Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, state Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security will have on-site interviews with local businesses. Job candidates are encouraged to bring their resume.

“As we continue to deal with the effects of inflation, good-paying jobs are more important than ever,” Hirschauer said. “Our community is fortunate to have manufacturers and small businesses in need of workers, so I encourage anyone seeking employment to join us at this event.”

Several employers from around the area will be in attendance, including Suncast, Elgin Sweepers, Jel Sert, JP Morgan Chase, Ecker Center for Behavioral Health, Saint Joseph Hospital, SAS Retail Services, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, KCT Credit Union, International Paper and more. Several state agencies, such as the Illinois Department of Corrections, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Justice and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency will attend the event as well.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s district office at office@repmaura49.com or call 331-465-9661.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer Highlights Back to School Sales Tax Holiday on School Supplies

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Highlights Back to School Sales Tax Holiday on School Supplies

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting the upcoming back to school sales tax holiday on school supplies and certain school-related items that will take place August 5-14. During that period, sales tax for school supplies and qualifying clothing and footwear will be cut.

“As a parent, I know back to school shopping can be expensive, especially as families deal with the impact of inflation,” Hirschauer said. “This sales tax holiday will save families money during these challenging times so that their children are adequately prepared for the upcoming school year.”

Hirschauer passed the sales tax holiday as a part of the Illinois Family Relief Plan, which also includes savings on gas and groceries. Qualifying items include school supplies, such as notebooks, backpacks, calculators, crayons, pencils and more. Footwear and clothing items that retail for less than $125 per item qualify for the sales tax holiday as well.

“When children have the school supplies they need, they can fully focus on participating in class and get the most out of their academic experience,” said Hirschauer. “I urge families to plan ahead and take advantage of the savings during the sales tax holiday this August to support their students this school year.”

For more information, please contact Hirschauer’s office at office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, will continue her fight to get weapons of war off our streets as a member of the new House Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group.

“No one should feel unsafe on a trip to the grocery store, sitting in a classroom, attending a parade or simply living their lives. Yet too often, gun violence turns these seemingly-harmless situations deadly, stealing the lives of innocent people,” Hirschauer said. “We must use our anger and grief to take action and make sure mass shootings and everyday gun violence become relics of the past. Gun violence is a public health crisis that we must address.”

In the aftermath of the Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Hirschauer and colleagues on the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group will work with stakeholders and community advocates to propose meaningful legislative solutions to curb gun violence and improve public safety.

Hirschauer’s placement on the Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group is a continuation of her work to promote gun safety and gun control measures. She recently took part in a meeting with White House leaders on state-level action to hold gun manufacturers accountable for their role in mass shootings. She has also sponsored bills to create a firearm registry and ban assault weapons statewide.

“Illinois has the power and momentum to take strong legislative action to prevent gun violence and keep our families and communities safe, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and other stakeholders to craft a shared response to address gun violence and firearm safety,” Hirschauer said. “Gun violence is a complex public safety issue that calls for multifaceted solutions, and I am confident the work of the House Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group will inform and inspire meaningful change for our communities.”

For more information on Hirschauer’s legislative agenda, please visit www.ilga.com or contact her office at office@repmaura49.com.

Rep. Maura HirschauerRep. Hirschauer Named to Firearm Safety and Reform Working Group

(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

Rep. Hirschauer Meets with White House Leaders to Discuss Gun Violence Prevention

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — In the wake of the Fourth of July mass shooting in Highland Park,
state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and other state lawmakers from Illinois, California,
New York and Delaware met with senior White House officials on efforts to prevent gun
violence and hold gun manufacturers accountable for their role in the gun violence epidemic.

“Gun manufacturing is a multi-billion dollar industry that consistently puts profits ahead of the
health and safety of our families, communities and children. The fact this industry faces little to
no consequence for their products’ role in the devastating violence done to communities like
Uvalde, Buffalo, and Highland Park is disgusting and fundamentally wrong,” Hirschauer said.
“As we continue to fight for solutions to prevent gun violence, we must hold these powerful
companies accountable for the irreparable harm they’ve caused.”

At the meeting, legislators from all four states discussed the steps New York, California, and
Delaware have taken to hold the gun industry accountable for their part in fueling the current gun
violence epidemic, as well as possible measures and tactics Illinois leaders are considering to
address this issue.

“Gun violence is a complex public health crisis that necessitates multifaceted, shared solutions. I
am extremely grateful to the White House and my contemporaries in New York, California, and
Delaware for their collaboration as we look to solve this disturbing issue,” said Hirschauer.
“Illinois has a long way to go, but we are fortunate to have the power and resources to take
serious action to prevent gun violence and keep our communities safe.”

Hirschauer previously introduced two bills to prevent gun violence. House Bill 3222 would
create Illinois’ first assault weapons registry, which would help law enforcement solve gun
crimes and disarm dangerous individuals. She also introduced House Bill 5522, a complete ban
on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, both of which are often used in mass
shootings. Both bills are currently awaiting consideration by the Illinois General Assembly.

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Readout of White House Meeting with State Legislative Leaders on Holding Gun Manufacturers Accountable

Rep. Hirschauer Urges Gun Control Following Highland Park Shooting

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. — State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement in response to the tragic Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Illinois:

“Yesterday, on a day dedicated to celebrating freedom, a community’s freedom to gather in peace was shattered by gunfire: a uniquely American tragedy on a uniquely American holiday. I stand in solace with the victims and survivors of yesterday’s mass shooting in Highland Park. My heart is with the community that, like so many other communities in this state and country, is reeling from the effects of gun violence.

…above all else, it is about guns.  It is about access to guns, proliferation of guns and adoration of guns. We cannot move forward in peace and security until we address access to assault weapons and high capacity magazines.

“Gun violence is a complex and multifaceted public health crisis, but make no mistake — above all else, it is about guns.  It is about access to guns, proliferation of guns and adoration of guns. We cannot move forward in peace and security until we address access to assault weapons and high capacity magazines. No family should feel unsafe celebrating at a parade, shopping at their local grocery store, gathering in a park or dropping their children off at school. The state of Illinois has the power and opportunity to take decisive action that will keep our communities safe. We must act. 

“We must honor the victims of this injustice not only with our words, but with our actions. That’s why I will continue fighting to ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines, and create an assault weapons registry. We are not free until we are safe from gun violence.”

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Rep. Hirschauer Defends Reproductive Health Rights as SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade

Posted on by Office of Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Hirschauer Defends Reproductive Health Rights as SCOTUS overturns Roe v. Wade

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement upon learning of the overturning of Roe v. Wade:

“Though we knew it was coming, today’s fatal decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to strip our autonomy over personal health care decisions is devastating. Make no mistake, overturning Roe v. Wade and almost 50 years of precedent is dangerous for people in every corner of our country. The most fatal repercussions will be felt by women of color, who already face deadly barriers in accessing reproductive healthcare. Abortion is healthcare — often life-changing and life-saving health care. Led by an out of touch, conservative court, our country took a heartbreaking step backwards today.

As we watch the rights of our neighbors crumble, it is our duty to take action. We have done our best to protect reproductive freedom here in Illinois, but our work is not done. I will continue to fight for the rights of ALL people to access reproductive choice in Illinois.

“Here in Illinois our reproductive freedom is codified into law; protected by the passage of the Reproductive Health Act in 2019. We stand as a beacon of reproductive rights and justice in the Midwest. Illinois is proud to be a safe haven for our neighbors. To do that effectively we must increase access to reproductive healthcare for everyone. We must make good on our promise of being a haven through policies and funding that supports providers and patients and ensures access to abortion care. A right is useless without access.

“To protect the right to safe abortion in Illinois, I sponsored House Bill 1464. The bill clarifies that a medical professional licensed in Illinois cannot be disciplined in Illinois if another state suspends or revokes their license for participating in or performing an abortion. In this post-Roe era, it is essential we protect our providers from unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide vital reproductive health care services. It is critical that we take action on this and other measures in the Special Legislative Session proposed by Governor Pritzker. I am ready.

“As we watch the rights of our neighbors crumble, it is our duty to take action. We have done our best to protect reproductive freedom here in Illinois, but our work is not done. I will continue to fight for the rights of ALL people to access reproductive choice in Illinois.”

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