Senate approves Castro measure requiring colleges and universities to accept all major transfer courses for major credit, saving students time and money

• Higher Education
• 103rd General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro’s legislation to ensure completed major courses are approved and accepted for full major credit at all Illinois public colleges and universities has passed the Senate.

“Students who earn major coursework credit at a community college should not have to spend more precious time and money to re-earn the same credit at a four-year university,” said Castro (D-Elgin).  “This legislation will reduce the burden on our students and accelerate the time it takes them to earn a degree and start a meaningful career.”

Senate Bill 2288 expands upon the Illinois Articulation Initiative Act by requiring public colleges and universities to accept all major courses approved for transfer through IAI as equivalent major courses, as long as the specific major is offered at the receiving institution.

Read more …

Castro applauds Flender Corporation manufacturing expansion coming to Elgin

• Jobs
• EDGE
• Elgin
• Flender Corporation

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is applauding Thursday’s announcement by Flender Corporation, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that Flender will expand its current Elgin manufacturing facility to create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 140 existing full-time jobs.

“Flender's expansion is a win for both Elgin workers and our clean energy economy,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Illinois has smartly positioned itself to be a hub for innovation and manufacturing in the clean energy sector, and we aren't stopping now.”

“I’m thrilled that the team at Flender has recognized what companies like Google, Ferrero, Rivian, and so many more have — Illinois is an incredible place to do business with one of the strongest workforces in the country,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Not only will these added jobs uplift communities and put individuals on a career path to success, they will also build a better future by powering the growing clean energy economy in Illinois.”

Read more …

Castro resolution designates March 8 as International Women’s Day in Illinois

• International Women's Day

SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro that establishes March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Wednesday.

"This is an opportunity to join Illinois with the international community and officially recognize the progress we have made together for women’s rights,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Women have contributed so much to our state and nation including serving in our armed forces, breaking barriers in the technology and innovation sectors, and fighting for equality for all people. Let us take the time to recognize and lift up those accomplishments today.”

March 8 of each year is recognized as International Women's Day by countries around the world to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles that women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender equality.

Read more …

Castro announces over $1.6 million coming to improve parks in the 22nd District

• Streamwood
• Grants
• Hanover Park
• Forest Preserve District of Kane County
• Parks and Recreation

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced more than $1.6 million in state grants are coming to support projects at three local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Funding local parks, recreation programming and forest preservation helps ensure that families and their children will have sustainable environments and places to enjoy the outdoors together for years to come,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “These grants empower our communities to highlight and preserve their natural resources and encourages all Illinoisans to get outside and enjoy these spaces.” 

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. The Streamwood Park District is set to receive $467,081 and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will see $600,000 in funds from the program this year. The Park District of Hanover Park is also set to receive $600,000 to acquire land and develop recreational activities.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website.