ENDORSEMENT: Maura Hirschauer for Illinois House in 49th District

Though a political newcomer, Maura Hirschauer has the makings of a solid state legislator representing a corridor of suburbs stretching from Elgin to Aurora.

Hirschauer is vying for a seat left open when incumbent State Rep. Karina Villa decided to run for the Illinois Senate. Hirschauer is endorsed over her Republican rival, Laura Curtis, a North Aurora village trustee.

Hirschauer, a Batavia activist and former teacher, says that if elected she wants to find ways to bring down the cost of prescription drugs and health care premiums statewide. She also wants to broaden property tax exemptions for homeowners and supports a graduated state income tax.

Additionally, she says she would work with community leaders to improve policing in minority communities, while enacting policies to improve housing, employment, healthcare and education.

Hirschauer’s background lends itself well to such a socially driven legislative tack. A former teacher, she is past president of the Batavia Mothers’ Club Foundation, a group that raises funds for Fox Valley schools and charities. She also co-founded her area’s chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a national organization that favors stronger gun legislation.

Illustration by Caroline Hurley

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