Welcome to Senator Cristina Castro legislative website

 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.”

 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.

State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, said the bill creating a licensing process for midwives is a “historic measure,” one that has been in the works since 1986. 

Midwifery moved a step closer to becoming a licensed profession in Illinois on Wednesday thanks to a measure advanced by state senators during the second day of the fall veto session.

State Sen. Cristina Castro, D-Elgin, said the bill creating a licensing process for midwives is a “historic measure,” one that has been in the works since 1986.

“When we talk about maternal health for women, especially Black and Brown women, now we give folks options and choices to help advocate for them and draw down the horrible maternal morbidity we’re seeing across the nation,” Castro said. “Illinois is at the forefront of that.”

Read the whole article here: State Senate passes measure to license midwives without nursing degrees - Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com)

July 29 is National Intern Day! Senator Castro was excited to have two interns helping in her district office this summer. Read more about Ben and Jada here.