State Senator Cristina Castro secured over $12 million for construction and road improvement projects in Elgin, Carpentersville, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Barrington Hills as part of the largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history.

“These local projects will not only improve the quality of life in Illinois — they are also critically needed for the safety of our infrastructure,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I am grateful that, because of this Rebuild Illinois funding, the city of Elgin will be replacing the Kimball Street Bridge, which is a vital artery in our downtown in need of improvement.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Multi-Year Program will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The new projects are both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

Family literacy programs in the Elgin area are receiving over $300,000 in state grant funding to support community efforts to improve English literacy thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“While the federal government restricts funding for state and local services, Illinois is doubling down and investing in essential community fixtures like our libraries,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “In our state, we will continue to support the public services families count on.”

The grants, awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State, included nearly $18 million for library services and $6.7 million for literacy programs throughout the state. In the district Castro represents, community literacy programs will receive a total of $307,840. This includes $151,840 for The Literacy Connection and $156,000 for YWCA Elgin. Both organizations will use the funding to enhance existing literacy programs that promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills for children and families.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement Thursday after federal agents detained a student on campus at Elgin Community College:

“What we witnessed at Elgin Community College today — where a student was followed on campus and taken by masked federal agents as they were entering a building for class — is disturbing. Every student deserves safety and dignity on campus.

“I’m proud of ECC’s leadership, quick response, and proactive communication with trustees, myself and the student body as this incident unfolded. I stand with my community in condemning this shameful tactic, which is designed to instill fear in the lives of community college students as they go about their day on campus.”

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State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement Tuesday in response to federal immigration enforcement actions in Elgin this week:

“This morning, Elgin families who were commuting to work and school were met with aggressive immigration action by masked federal agents in unmarked vehicles. This action is meant to intimidate our community — sending a clear message on the morning of Mexican Independence Day that this administration is insistent on dividing a community that is united behind protecting all of its residents.

“This deliberate fearmongering is not welcome in Elgin or anywhere in Illinois. I reject federal intrusions that continue to instill fear in the lives of my constituents — families who are active, contributing and law-abiding members of our communities.

“Every person in our state, regardless of documentation status, has fundamental rights and is entitled to due process. My staff and I, along with local organizations and civil and immigrant rights groups, stand ready to support and defend our residents. We strongly encourage residents to take precautions, know your rights and exercise them, and share this information with one another.”

If you or a loved one has been impacted by federal agency enforcement actions, please review the resources below:

• Create a Family Safety Plan: Make sure your family has an emergency plan, and print out the “Know Your Rights” card. You can find bilingual templates for these resources at org/resourcehub#KYR
• Contact the ICIRR Family Support Network: Visit icirr.org/fsn or call the Family Support Hotline: 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
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