from WGEM
Maura was recently interviewed on HB5855, which includes an assault weapons ban similar to her bill introduced earlier this year. It includes some changes as well as other provisions to help keep communities safer.
Tag: guns
The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm from assault weapons and large capacity magazines. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.
Op-Ed By State Rep. Maura Hirschauer (Click here to read in the Chicago Sun Times)
Before I was a state representative, I was a volunteer and community leader with Moms Demand Action. My work with that organization informs my daily commitment to making sure that no parent drops their children off at school and fears they might not see them alive again, and that no person looks for active shooters in the grocery aisle, church pew or parade route.
When I took office, I promised to honor the lives lost and changed by gun violence with action — the action that drove me to run for office in the first place. It is why I filed HB5522 back in January. After the mass shooting in Highland Park, I recommitted myself to banning assault-style weapons and large capacity magazines.
I am proud to co-sponsor the new gun reform package that will keep Illinois on the path to leading the nation in gun safety. The Protect Illinois Communities Act Is a logical, necessary step to reduce the harm caused by gun violence. Now more than ever, we must see change. We owe it to all whose lives have been irreversibly touched by gun violence.
More than 110 Americans are killed by guns each day, and the wide availability of high-capacity assault weapons extends this danger beyond reason. I respect the right of Illinoisans to bear arms and protect their families, but no one needs to wield a weapon capable of firing 30 bullets in 10 seconds to feel secure in their home. There is no reason for assault weapons, whose sole purpose is to kill efficiently and effectively, to be available in Illinois. Yet these weapons of war have made their way onto our streets and into our schools, grocery stores, workplaces and community celebrations.
Another sad truth is that young people ages 18 to 20 commit gun homicides at three times the rate of those over 21. Far too often, young people suffering from mental illness are able to access weapons that turn their darkest thoughts into a nightmarish reality. Putting killing machines into their hands is reckless endangerment.
Children and teens are actively targeted in the marketing of firearms, despite the gun industry’s clear knowledge of the risk factors of gun ownership by young people. Guns are not toys or video game controllers. It is irresponsible to treat them as such. We must close the loophole that allows young people to obtain firearms before they understand the gravity and potential consequences of that decision.
Although Illinois’ current laws continue to be weakened by those in neighboring states that refuse to take action for gun safety, we aren’t helpless to fight back. We can reduce the flow of incoming illegal weapons by empowering the Illinois State Police to work with federal and local officials to trace illegal guns and hold straw purchasers accountable. Giving law enforcement the tools and technology to track illegal crime guns while simultaneously strengthening the laws on our books is essential to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
The ripple effect of gun violence can be felt all across Illinois, from Chicago to Highland Park to Aurora to East St. Louis. The trauma from gun violence is disproportionately felt by Black Illinoisans, who are 32 times more likely than white Illinoisans to die by gun homicide. Guns are the leading cause of death of Illinois children ages 1-17 years old. Throughout the pandemic, Illinois led the country in gun sales, and today there are more guns in Illinois households than ever before, leaving our children at risk. We cannot ignore the fact that the rise in gun violence is related to easy access to firearms.
Children are being killed and families torn apart while lawmakers allow their hands to be tied by the gun lobby. The outsized influence of the NRA has endangered us all for far too long, and it is high time we stood up to their bullying. If legislators have the courage to stand up to the NRA and ban weapons of war from our streets, we can move closer to making Illinois a state where no one has to live in fear of being gunned down in their community.
This goes far beyond partisan politics. We have a moral obligation to fight for this change.
We’ve reached a flashpoint, beyond which to do nothing is to be complicit in avoidable and unacceptable tragedy. Enough is enough. We must pass the Protect Illinois Communities Act.
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 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
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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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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https://www.wifr.com/2022/05/25/legislators-push-make-schools-feel-safer-kids/
Thank you to WIFR reporter Colin Hollingsworth who reached out this week to talk about Representative Hirschauer’s HB2400, signed into law last year, that changed the way Illinois schools conduct lockdown drills. Here is a clip from Wednesday’s livecast and you can see their final posted article at their website.
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Are you looking for volunteer opportunities? Join our office on Fridays and Saturdays as we help with weekly food distribution at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in West Chicago. Many families in our community are feeling the effects of inflation and unsure of where to find their next meal. Pastor Josh’s weekly food distribution provides resources for those who need it the most. Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute food boxes. Call or email our office for details.
The first week of April was a busy one in Springfield as my colleagues and I worked hard to meet the end of session deadline of April 9. Our number one priority was passing a fiscally and socially responsible budget. I am proud that we came together to create a budget that gives financial relief to the people and families that need it most, while also taking steps to restore the fiscal responsibility of the state. This budget also funds key initiatives around health care equity, community development, and business attraction. 
I am proud to announce that the Fox Valley Park District was awarded a much needed appropriation for exciting new improvements to Lippold Park. As part of their comprehensive plan to expand outdoor education programming and multi-use space at Lippold Park the FVPD will be constructing a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Fox River to connect East to West. This project will increase access to Red Oak Nature Center and will open up the trail for even more folks to use. We are so excited about this project and I am happy to have helped advocate for this much needed capital appropriation.
Rep Hirschauer
had so much fun talking with 4th grade students at Alice Gustafson and 5th graders at J.B. Nelson Elementary Schools in Batavia. The future is BRIGHT with these smart, curious, and thoughtful kiddos at the helm. Thank you having Batavia Public School District 101 for having the Representative!
You may have seen our recent 
If you hear a knock at your door, it may be our office out connecting with constituents and getting the word out about our services and events. After her time in Springfield, Maura is enjoying these opportunities to get out into the district to meet up with constituents one-on-one and hear about their needs and concerns.
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I often say that I am who I am because of the strong women who came before me. These two fierce young women – who came after me – also play a huge role in shaping me not only as a mom, but as a leader and legislator. I would like to take time today to honor my daughters, who push me out of my comfort zone, hold my feet to the fire on tough issues, and show me everyday what leadership looks like.
Representative Hirschauer met virtually with the Chiefs of Police from IL-49 to talk about their concerns and learn about the ongoing issues in our police departments. The Chiefs brought attention issues that impact their departments along with recommendations to move forward as a state. Rep Hirschauer is committed to continue listening and learning from our local police departments to better serve the IL-49th district and to taking that feedback to Springfield. Thank you Chief Passarelli, Chief Ullrich, Chief Krawczyk, Chief Fisher, Chief Cross, Chief Eul, and Deputy Chief Shackelford for taking time to talk about your police departments. 
Rep. Hirschauer had the privilege of representing not just the 49th, but women throughout the state and history as part of 
demonstrating that they can do anything, these kids show every day that they’re advocating for themselves and ready for the next challenge.
Representative Hirschauer was a panelist for Moms Demand Action Advocacy Day. The Representative informed constituents about ongoing legislation to prevent gun violence in the community. She emphasized the need for education on safe gun storage to prevent further death of young children and suicide. Representative Hirschauer says that now is the time to advocate for bills like 
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 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.
State Rep. Maura Hirschauer joins gun violence prevention effort in sponsoring the “fix the FOID” bill
