Castro urges responsible budgeting while helping Illinoisans thrive

 SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker released his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“The proposal we heard today will help maintain essential services, but one thing remains clear: Illinois will continue to push forward despite the Trump administration’s efforts to punish the state.

“Amid a time of great uncertainty at the federal level, we must keep our commitments to the people we represent in education, health care and housing to ensure our state continues to thrive and underrepresented communities remain seen.

“The proposed investments in financial aid for college students, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and housing assistance make clear that our shared priorities are to continue to uplift working families. Illinois will continue to invest in opportunities that provide a sense of the American Dream to people who have yearned to be a first-time homeowner, to provide for their families and to reach for a college education.

“Over the next several months, I will be working with my colleagues to negotiate a final budget that is proactive, responsible, and maintains support for the programs, services and institutions my constituents rely on.”

Castro invites residents to heart health screening in Hanover Park

 ELGIN— In recognition of Heart Health Month this February, State Senator Cristina Castro is inviting residents to receive a heart health screening at the Hanover Township Senior Center.

“In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we must stop for a moment to look after our health and engage in self-care,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to take preventative steps as heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.”

Residents are invited to join Castro’s office for a heart health screening event on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Township Senior Center, located at 240 Illinois Route 59, Bartlett. Attendees will have access to blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments, glucose checks and diabetes education, body composition analysis, heart health nutrition education and more. Walk-ins are welcome for non-invasive screenings. For glucose and cholesterol screenings, residents should call Hanover Township at 630-483-5665 to make an appointment.

“Improving access to screenings and information regarding heart health is a top priority and creates concrete steps toward a healthier community,” Castro said.

People with questions can contact Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.

Illinois to track firefighter death records starting Jan. 1, thanks to Castro law increasing transparency

Firefighters serve a core role in Illinois public safety and put their lives at risk every day in the line of duty. Starting Jan. 1, a law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro enhances transparency for firefighters and their loved ones by requiring the state to begin tracking death records.

“We owe nothing less than our full gratitude and appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The dangers that they face go beyond fighting physical fires that are in front of them as we are continuing to learn firefighters suffer silently from illnesses related to their job.”

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New Castro law to support craft distilleries, make cocktails-to-go permanent

A new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro will make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“Supporting restaurants and bars is also supporting small distilleries and local producers across the state,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We want to make sure local businesses have the easiest path possible to operate, succeed and create jobs in our communities.”

Senate Bill 618 creates a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which allows distilleries to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees can then apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

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