Maura Hirschauer: 2024 candidate for Illinois House District 49

Bio

Party: Democrat

Office Sought: Illinois House District 49

City: Batavia

Age: 47

Occupation: State Representative

Previous offices held: State Representative District 49 since 2021

How should the state respond to the influx of migrants bussed here from Southern states?

While I strongly disagree with Gov. Abbot’s decision to spend taxpayer dollars on a chaotic and uncompassionate busing program, it is true that the influx of migrants to Illinois stems from urgent issues at our border. Solutions to these complex problems do not lie with the state of Illinois — it is beyond time for our federal government to take action on meaningful immigration reform.

Responding to this issue is a challenge requiring the state to balance humanitarian needs with resource management. Immediate assistance focusing on shelter, health care, and other basic needs should be (and is being) provided through a state-coordinated effort with local governments, nonprofits, and religious organizations.

Through smart budgeting we can meet the need at our doorstep and continue to support programs that help all Illinoisans thrive. However, our state resources are precious and we cannot shoulder this burden alone. We need federal support for sustainable, long-term solutions.

Are you satisfied with the state's existing ethics policies for senators and representatives? If so, what about the policies should reassure Illinoisans that elected leaders abide by high standards? If not, what changes need to be made?

The one word that I hear most from voters when I am at their front doors is “transparency.” They want a government that operates with integrity, and I couldn’t agree more.

In Springfield, we have enacted policies that foster transparency, like new term limits on legislative leaders, stronger mandatory economic interest disclosure forms, and tighter requirements for lobbyists. Additionally, we ensured that people convicted of offenses like bribery and perjury cannot hold state office.

When re-elected I will continue the work of building a transparent government, and I am committed to strengthening our ethics law. I continue to walk door to door each day, hold town hall meetings, and host advisory committees in my district to build trust with my constituents. I will continue to find new ways to connect with our community so that all voices can be heard.

Would you support a requirement that election petitions include a line asking candidates for their campaign email address?

Yes.

How well do you think criminal justice reforms made in recent years are working? What, if any, changes need to be made?

Fostering and maintaining safe communities is important for the health and well being of all Illinoisans. I am committed to delivering on policies that will keep our communities here in the 49th district safe.

I believe in a “smart on crime” approach which prioritizes funding for law enforcement and a fair justice system that works to keep dangerous people off our streets. It is essential that we identify the root cause of crime and do our best to deliver resources to impacted communities and the police as they navigate issues.

Our policies are continually evolving. I am committed to working with stakeholders — our police, prosecutors, judges, and advocates — to enhance recent reforms to reflect what is best and safest for Illinois. Additionally, I have delivered budgets that directed millions of dollars in new funding, equipment, and crime-solving resources to law enforcement. I will continue to work on policies that meet our shared goal of safe spaces for everyone to thrive.

We now have an assault weapons ban in Illinois. What if any changes should be made to the law? What more can be done to improve gun safety?

As a founder of a local Moms Demand Action chapter I am a dedicated gun violence prevention policymaker. I am extremely proud to have led the fight to pass our nation-leading assault weapon and high capacity magazine ban.

In the wake of the tragic mass shooting at Apalachee High School, it is clear that we must address child access to firearms. Guns have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death of children ages 1-17 years old. I am proud to sponsor a comprehensive safe storage bill (HB 5065) that will keep our children safe.

Our state gun laws are failing survivors of domestic violence and their families. Risk of intimate-partner homicide increases 500% when abusers have access to a gun. When domestic violence survivors go to the courts for protection, we must ensure that protection works.

I am proud to sponsor Karina’s Bill, to clarify and strengthen the requirement that firearms be removed from a home when an order of protection is served.

Illinois is the only state in the nation that mandates regular behind-the-wheel tests for senior drivers. Do you support any changes?

First and foremost, when discussing our rules of the road, safety comes first. While talking with seniors at their doors I have come to understand that the process for senior license renewal can prove to be a hassle. I host a Senior Advisory Committee, which is taking this bill into advisement. I look forward to hearing their feedback on this piece of legislation so we can move toward a policy that works for everyone.

What personal qualifications do you bring that would make you an effective legislator?

It is my honor to serve the 49th District. I am proud of my work to use our state resources wisely, keep our communities safe, and expand access to affordable health care, child care, and higher education.

Before serving the public in the state government I served my community as a board member of a local not-for-profit organization. I was a teacher for many years, which informs the work I do on education policy — especially in the space of early childhood education. As a working mom, I know how to run an efficient household budget — and I hold our state budget to those same strict standards.

I am rooted in our community and spend each day talking with and listening to voters at their front doors. I am running for reelection so that my children, and yours, can thrive. I run for their ability to make their own personal health decisions; to ensure a clean and healthy planet for their future; and to keep their communities and schools free from gun violence.