SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Representative Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, has been appointed by Illinois Speaker of the House Emanuel “Chris” Welch, to the Community Health Workers Review Board (CHWRB). The board, created in 2021 by Article 5 of HB 158, will serve as the regulatory body which develops and oversees initial certification and certification renewal of community health workers.

“I am honored to have been chosen for this appointment,” said Rep. Hirschauer. “Ensuring that community health workers have a fair, efficient and effective certification and renewal process is critical to providing Illinoisans with high quality healthcare services.”

HB 158 is referred to as the Illinois Health Care and Human Service Reform Act, and contains provisions addressing community health workers, hospital reform, medical implicit bias training, substance abuse and mental health, access to health care, hospital closures, managed care organization reform and maternal and infant mortality.

Hirschauer’s appointment was pursuant to SB 336, passed later in 2021, in response to agency feedback, and which contained additional provisions to better effectuate the requirements of HB 158. Under SB 336, the Speaker of the House is tasked with making several appointments to the Board, including three legislators.

The other legislators appointed by Welch were Rep. LaToya Greenwood and Rep. Camille Y. Lilly.

“Healthcare is a human right and high quality healthcare requires that the qualified professionals who provide it can continue to do their vital work with a minimum of bureaucratic interruption and red tape,” said Hirschauer. “But this has to be balanced against the need to ensure that corners are not cut. My colleagues and I look forward to taking on this challenge and helping to enhance healthcare outcomes throughout our state.”

For more information call Rep. Hirschauer at 331-465-9661 or email office@repmaura49.com.

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – Following media reports of leaked documents indicating the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade may be overturned, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, released the following statement:

“The leaked draft opinion on the future of Roe v. Wade is dangerous and deserves our full outrage and attention. Here in Illinois, we fought to codify reproductive freedom in the Reproductive Health Act in 2019. Here in Illinois, all folks have autonomy over their health choices despite what happens in the Supreme Court.

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 what may turn out to be a post-Roe era, it is essential we protect our providers from unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide vital reproductive health care services.

The ability to make personal health care decisions should not be dependent on your zip code or bank account balance. Make no mistake, this leaked decision, if held true, will disproportionately affect poor people and people of color and will turn back the clock on any small steps towards equity and justice we have made over the years. We must not go back.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her continued support of women’s rights, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, passed several measures to defend reproductive rights in Illinois.

“Access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care saves lives and allows people to live to their fullest potential,” said Hirschauer. “Everyone deserves to make the health care decisions that are best for them. I will always stand up for a woman’s right to choose.”

Performing a safe, legal abortion in Illinois is not a crime and that’s why Hirschauer sponsored and voted for House Bill 1464, to ensure our doctors are not punished by other states’ draconian laws. House Bill 1464 clarifies that a doctor licensed in Illinois cannot be disciplined in Illinois if another state suspends or revokes their license for participating in or performing an abortion. This bill protects doctors from unnecessary sanctions so they can continue to provide the vital health care services Illinoisans need.

“Reproductive health care is under attack across the country and we cannot count on the Supreme Court to uphold our fundamental right to make personal decisions about our health,” said Hirschauer. “Illinois sits as a beacon of safety for reproductive freedom and we must stand strong behind health care professionals who are committed to providing safe, legal, accessible reproductive health care. I was proud to sponsor HB1464 to protect Illinois health care providers from the decisions extreme politicians are making in other states.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – To combat the effects of inflation and help residents in need, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, and state Sen. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, are hosting a food drive to benefit St. Andrew Lutheran Church’s weekly food distributions in partnership with the People’s Resource Center.

“As we navigate these difficult times, it is inspiring to see neighbors coming together to support each other. My office, in partnership with Sen. Villa, will be collecting food through the month of April to support St. Andrew Lutheran Church and families in our community,” Hirschauer said. “I encourage everyone to give what they can. Every donation makes a difference.”

Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Rep. Hirschauer’s district office, 946 Neltnor Blvd #108 West Chicago, IL 60185, or St. Andrew Lutheran Church 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd. West Chicago, IL 60185. To make a monetary donation, please visit https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=dd1c61and put “St. Andrews” in the program designation box.

“I want to thank Pastor Josh Ebener and St. Andrew Lutheran Church for all the resources they have provided to the West Chicago community during the pandemic, including their weekly food distribution with People’s Resource Center,” said Villa. “I am happy to collaborate with all stakeholders to help our community.”

“So many families in our community that were already stretched thin are feeling the impact of inflation, of rising rents and prices at the grocery store and the pump,” said Pastor Josh Ebener of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. “We would welcome any monetary or food donations to ensure we can adequately respond to this great need and are grateful for all the support.”

“Inflation has become a national topic of discussion, and it is now an increasing problem for many local families,” said West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda. “As West Chicago families begin to feel the full effects of rising costs of living, we need to come together to support one another as a community. Donating essential goods and money to the St. Andrew Church Food Pantry is a great way to achieve this.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – After this week’s indictment of former House Speaker Michael Madigan, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, issued the following statement:

“The first vote I made as State Representative in the 49th District was to elect new leadership under Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch, and usher in a new day in the Illinois House. Since that time, I have worked hard every single day for the people of the 49th District. In just one year I have delivered on ethics reform, groundbreaking climate policy and a balanced budget that’s earned us our first credit ratings increase in a generation. 

“This week’s 22-count indictment handed down to former Speaker Mike Madigan is significant and proves to the people of Illinois that elected officials are not above the law and illegal behavior will be prosecuted.

“My focus continues to be on the community of the 49th District and how to best serve your diverse and important needs. There is much work to be done as we recover and rebuild after a difficult few years.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. – As the weather begins to cool down, state Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is reminding residents to prepare for dangerous winter weather conditions like extreme cold, snow and ice.

“Traveling during the holiday season can be unpredictable, especially as temperature drops and winter weather conditions worsen,” Hirschauer said. “This upcoming holiday season, be sure to be prepared for winter weather both at home and while traveling.”

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) released their 2021 Winter Weather Preparedness Guide to help Illinoisans prepare for winter weather conditions. IEMA recommends that residents familiarize themselves with winter weather terms, local county names, health risks of cold weather, and prepare disaster kits for work and home. Emergency supplies kits should include a battery powered weather radio, nonperishable food items, medication, extra water, flashlights, first aid kit, pet supplies, facemasks and hand sanitizer.  For travel emergency kits, it is essential to also include a shovel, windshield scraper or brush, a tool kit, extra clothing or blankets, booster cables, and sand or cat litter.

 “As your family gathers to celebrate the holidays, be sure that they are preparing for the weather conditions and traveling safely,” Hirschauer said. “By spending the time to prepare now, families can ensure they have a safe and healthy holiday season.”

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. –State Rep. Maura Hirschauer, D-Batavia, is highlighting the open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance.

“This year, there are more plans for Illinoisans to choose from, so it is possible to find a plan that fits your needs,” Hirschauer said. “The plans included will protect those with preexisting conditions and help give options for preventative care.”

The Illinois Department of Insurance recently announced the Open Enrollment Marketplace which runs from Nov. 1, 2021 to Jan. 15, 2022. This change allows Illinoisans an additional month to enroll in health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. This year, consumers will have more options to choose from than the previous year. For more information about health insurance options under the ACA, visit www.healthcare.gov.

 “The best way to maintain your health is to make sure that you have coverage when you need it most,” Hirschauer said. “After navigating a global pandemic, I encourage everyone to make sure they are covered.”