SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro supported legislation aimed at preserving immigrant workers’ rights. The measure comes in response to growing concerns regarding federal immigration crackdown of Illinois residents over the last few months.

“Jobs are lifelines for everyone,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We are taking effective steps, ensuring our hard-working residents don’t have to look over their shoulder at a safe place such as their work.”

Last year, Senator Castro backed legislation that required employers to give their workers time to correct documentation discrepancies and barred employers from taking any adverse action against an employee because of a discrepancy. Senate Bill 2339, would ensure employees’ rights are protected if an employer has received notice of document discrepancies, including the right to be free from adverse action solely because of a receipt of a discrepancy notice from a federal entity. It also would establish a procedure to resolve violations of these protections and would create a pathway for the employee to take legal action against the employer should these rights be violated.

Additionally, the measure would enable attorneys, union representatives, and similar individuals to act as an employee’s authorized representative and require employers to provide an explanation of the employee's right to have legal representation present during any meetings between the employee and the employer in notices sent between them.

“By taking steps to protect residents from unfair retaliation on the job, we are taking action as a state to provide safer workplaces for everyone,” said Castro. “These changes will enhance the protection of our immigrant workers and prevent employers from taking advantage while those workers remain vulnerable from something as simple as a bureaucratic error.”

Senate Bill 2339 was sent to the Governor on Thursday.

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.

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.”

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.