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 is pragmatic and thoughtful in its approach, but there is no sugarcoating the reality we face: In the midst of unpredictability from the federal government, we need to find innovative solutions to help stabilize our state’s budget. That’s why I’m bringing solutions to the table to generate revenue without cutting vital services or raising taxes, which I believe we can do by legalizing and regulating online gaming.

“Amid a time of great uncertainty at the federal level, budget stability for Illinois is crucial. My proposal could bring in an additional $750 million for the state while combatting illegal operators who are currently skirting regulations and avoiding taxes.

To expand sustainable transportation options and reduce vehicle emissions, the Illinois EPA announced the state received $58 million in funding to deploy over 50 new, fully electric public transit buses across the Chicagoland area, thanks to strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“PACE is an essential service, carrying commuters, shoppers, travelers, seniors and families to and from Chicago and hundreds of other suburban communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Funding for all-electric buses supports the vital connections PACE fosters while also improving health outcomes, reducing emissions, saving costs and growing our clean energy economy.”

Through Illinois’ share of Volkswagen settlement funding, the Chicago Transit Authority and PACE are each replacing a fleet of old diesel buses with 57 new, all-electric buses. In the 22^nd District, these dollars will support PACE’s ongoing strategy to transition to a fully zero-emission fleet by 2040 through its Project Zero initiative.

A measure co-sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro known as Karina’s Law, intended to improve protections for victims of domestic violence in Illinois, was signed into law Monday.

“Illinois is a national leader when it comes to gun safety laws — but for Karina and Daniela, that wasn’t enough,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “While nothing can take away the lasting scars of losing a loved one to gun violence, I hope Karina’s loved ones know that, because of their advocacy, they have driven their state to take action to protect thousands of other families from the same devastation. I want to thank them for their difficult but brave, selfless action in support of Karina’s Law.”

Illinois becomes 19^th state to bring equal pay to workers with disabilities

State Senator Cristina Castro’s historic legislation to begin phasing out the federal subminimum wage for people with disabilities in Illinois has been signed into law.

“Good jobs change lives, and all workers — including disabled workers — deserve these opportunities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Dignity in Pay Act will promote access, opportunity and financial stability for employees with disabilities across our state, and I’m proud to have played a part in getting this historic measure across the finish line.”