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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Castro offering no-cost flu shots at two events this month

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As flu season approaches, State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging residents to protect themselves by getting their annual flu shot at two upcoming events in Elgin and Bartlett.

“Getting an annual flu shot can help keep you and your family safe as we head into flu season,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’m glad my office is able to provide these convenient opportunities for residents to get a flu vaccine and protect themselves from illness this fall and winter.”

Castro is partnering with Ascension Illinois, Elgin Township and Hanover Township to offer two upcoming opportunities for residents age 18 and older to receive the flu shot:

• Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Elgin Township Building, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin
• Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett

For more information, contact Castro’s office at 847-214-8864 or visit SenatorCristinaCastro.com.

Over $12 million coming to Northwest Suburban infrastructure projects with Castro support

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.

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Over $300,000 coming to local literacy programs with Castro support

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.

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