SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“We have a duty to uplift our most vulnerable communities, especially seniors who have worked hard to stay in their homes and provide for their families,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This bill will increase the number of seniors who can qualify for property tax relief and ensures older adults are well protected during these times of increased cost of living.”

Senate bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

To address gentrification issues, it would also add an occupancy requirement, stating seniors must have owned and lived in their home for at least three years. This expanded threshold would allow thousands of additional seniors across Illinois to qualify for the property tax freeze – helping them stay in their homes and maintain financial security as the cost of living continues to rise.

The bill would also create a new property tax repayment plan, giving counties the authority to establish structured payment options for homeowners with unpaid taxes. For the 2025 tax year, unpaid taxes would begin accruing interest at a reduced rate, providing taxpayers more time and flexibility to meet their obligations without facing harsh penalties. Counties would be able to offer payment plans during the redemption period and waive interest penalties for participants who comply with their plan’s terms – making it easier for older adults to recover from temporary financial setbacks.

Senate Bill 642 passed the Senate and heads to the governor for further consideration.

CHICAGO— State Senator Cristina Castro celebrated Thursday’s opening of a new training center for film production crews within the Illinois Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 2, which was supported by a $5 million grant Castro secured.

“Securing funding for this project has been an accomplishment on behalf of Illinois’ economy,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Providing high-quality and well-paying jobs will demonstrate continued relief for working families.”

Castro sponsored Senate Bill 1911 that strengthens the state’s film and TV community by expanding the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit. The expansion will support good-paying jobs throughout the state with numerous enhancements including an increased tax credit for local labor and Illinois vendors, incentives to relocate TV series to Illinois, regional production bonuses, and more.

Illinois’ film production expenditures reached $653 million in 2024 – the second-highest expenditure total in state history – along with estimated wages of $351 million and 18,200 estimated hires in the industry (excluding extras). The high expenditures demonstrate Illinois’ ability to bounce back in the wake of the strikes that halted production in 2023.

“If you’ve been to a great show or concert — or seen Chicago looking magnificent on the screen — it was made great in large part because of the work of IATSE Local 2,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “This facility ensures they’ll continue leading the way in skill, safety and innovation, preparing the next generation of professionals for the high-tech, high-skill jobs that quite literally keep the show going.”

More information about the state’s film incentives can be found here.

SPRINGFIELD — Terminally ill adults could soon have increased access to more compassionate end-of-life options under a bill that had State Senator Cristina Castro’s backing.

“How we live and die should always be our choice,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This measure grants that choice to ensure quality of life for those who have known pain for some time now.”

Senate Bill 1950 would allow a qualified patient with a terminal disease to request a physician to prescribe aid-in-dying medication, allowing the patient to end their own life in a peaceful manner if they choose.

The bill includes multiple safeguards that would ensure a patient is eligible, informed about all of their end-of-life care options and protected from potential coercion or surrogate decision-making by anyone other than the patient.

Patients would be assessed by physicians and mental health professionals to ensure their capacity to make an informed decision. Only the patient would be able to request this aid – not a surrogate, proxy or via an advance health directive. Under Senate Bill 1950, no physician, health care provider or pharmacist would be required to participate in the law.

Senate Bill 1950 passed the Senate and heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

 SPRINGFIELD — Community-based foster care agencies could soon have protection from increased costs and lack of liability insurance options, thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s support for House Bill 762.

“Insurance coverage has been a lasting issue for foster agencies to overcome,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Without legislative action, foster care and adoption services could have been forced to close down.”

Foster care agencies are required to carry liability insurance to protect the thousands of children in their care. Many carriers are no longer offering this line of insurance, and only two carriers offer liability insurance for foster care providers in Illinois. This has resulted in higher costs and limited coverage.

To address this issue, Castro signed on to House Bill 762, which would require the Department of Insurance to conduct an inquiry into liability insurance practices for foster care services. By April 1, 2026, the department must provide stakeholders, the General Assembly and the governor’s office with a finalized survey of their data.

This survey allows the department to analyze information from insurance carriers inside and outside of the state to obtain information about issues contributing to the problem, including factors like rising settlements and a changing insurance market.

“This data will help paint a better picture of the landscape so the state can formulate strategies to prevent foster care providers from being priced out of the market,” said Castro. “Children in the foster care system shouldn’t shoulder this burden.”

House Bill 762 passed the Senate on Thursday, Oct. 30.