Castro backs measure to protect tenants from hidden fees

SPRINGFIELD — Over one million rental tenants in Illinois could find additional protections when renting from a landlord, thanks to strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“During these times of expensive housing and living costs, the amount of fees charged to find housing puts an extra load on our working families,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This bill is meant to defend tenants from fees that gate keep them from being able to house their families.”

House Bill 3564 would rectify unfair landlord practices regarding junk fees as landlords were previously allowed to charge an unlimited number of fees at their discretion. Junk fees range from application fees over $50 to modifying or renewing a lease to maintenance requests. This measure would ensure tenants are not surprised by hidden fees not disclosed in their lease.

 “I look forward to finding more of our residents in the 22^nd District to be able to find housing without fear of putting themselves into debt,” said Castro. “Housing is a right, not a privilege.”

HB 3564 passed the Senate on Thursday.

Castro defends state response to federal immigration intervention

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro sponsored a measure that would protect the constitutional rights of Illinois residents amid ongoing federal raids on businesses and homes.

“Our schools, our hospitals and our neighborhoods are under attack,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Our communities should not have to fear living their day-to-day lives.”

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Castro calls for immediate action to save SNAP benefits amid shutdown

ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is urging federal lawmakers to find a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

“Residents from all walks of life will be affected with cuts to a vital lifeline such as SNAP,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “In times like these, our community must band together to ensure our kids don’t go to bed hungry.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 27,313 people in the district Castro represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Castro stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

"We cannot reduce our families to numbers on a chart," said Castro. "The federal government has a moral duty to act swiftly and decisively to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Castro is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.

Local residents in need of food assistance can access help at food pantries in the 22^nd District, including:

• Food for Greater Elgin
• Hanover Township Food Pantry
• D300 Food Pantry
• Elgin Community College Food Pantry

For more information and help accessing food assistance, residents can call Castro’s office at 847-214-8864. 

Castro legislation aims to support craft distillers, small liquor licensees

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a measure through the Senate that would make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“By giving bars, restaurants and craft distilleries the ability to grow and reach more customers, we’re supporting small, independent producers and retailers across Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We should be making it easier, not harder, to operate and grow a business in our state.”

The measure would create a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which would allow the distillery to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees would then be able to apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

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