SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement after the passage of a budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year:

“As we begin to take steps to recover from this past year, I’ve made it a priority to ensure that those most impacted by the pandemic get the resources they need to get back on their feet.

“Our schools took a big hit with the abrupt switch to online learning, so $350 million in additional funding for education will provide a boost for our students and teachers. I am also glad to see money for local governments fully funded to give our communities the flexibility when it comes to addressing local needs.

“Additionally, this year’s budget sets Illinois on the path of fiscal responsibility. As we pay off our bills this year and in the future, we can put more focus and funds on programs that will continue to benefit residents of our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has been a fierce advocate for government reform and established a joint commission on ethics in 2019, issued the following statement on the Senate Bill 539, a comprehensive ethics package that is on its way to the governor’s desk:

“It’s no secret that Illinois has needed reform for some time. Addressing the legislator-to-lobbyist pipeline was a top priority, and I believe this legislation will play a big part in closing the loopholes that have allowed elected officials to hold office one day and lobby the next.

“I am also pleased to see the common sense ‘No Exit’ provision included in this package. A legislator should not receive a full month’s salary for just a day or two of work.”

“I vow to continue to work on ethics reform until all members of the General Assembly and political insiders are held to the highest standards.”

SPRINGFIELD – As more families use smart devices like Amazon Alexas and Ring doorbells, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) has introduced a measure to ensure people who utilize those devices are protected from having private information seized without a warrant.

“Many households have some sort of smart device nowadays, and there needs to be clear expectations with what information is allowed to be stored and seized by law enforcement,” Castro said. “This legislation will clarify what private data can and cannot be used in criminal investigations.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) supported a measure Friday to prohibit law enforcement agencies from questioning people in the state on their immigration status.

“It is so important that all Illinoisans feel safe enough to go to law enforcement if they are victim of a crime, regardless of immigration status,” said Castro, who was a co-sponsor of the legislation. “It is unnecessary to question a person’s place of birth or immigration status when a crime is being investigated.”