ELGIN – As many Illinois residents struggle with financial issues brought on by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) hopes new grants will help people train for new jobs and get hired.

“We are seeing unprecedented levels of unemployment due to layoffs and work stoppages as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, which is forcing many into financial hardships they never expected to experience,” Castro said. “These new grants will help put people back to work and will go a long way to help ease the burden faced by those who are struggling the most.”

ELGIN – With the Sept. 30 conclusion of the 2020 Census looming, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is urging local residents to complete their household surveys in order to produce the most accurate count possible.

“The response rate data we have is a good sign, but there is always room for improvement,” Castro said. “With the 2020 Census cut short by a full month, the next few weeks will be crucial to ensuring that our communities get the full amount of funding and representation to which they are entitled, which the census determines.”

ELGIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation voted along with departments of transportation from several other Midwestern states Friday to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who represents an area with a sizeable minority population and who has long had interest in IDOT issues, commended the vote.

“COVID-19 and the recent protests have shined a light on the struggles people of color face on a daily basis, so it’s encouraging to see state agencies across the Midwest taking initiative to look inward and self-evaluate to see where they fall short on issues of diversity,” Castro said. “I’m proud of IDOT and of departments of transportation from our neighboring states.”

Sen. Cristina Castro speaks at a CEJA Rally at the Captiol in March.

ELGIN – Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled eight principles for a clean and renewable Illinois economy Friday. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who is the Senate sponsor of the long-awaited Clean Energy Jobs Act, released the following statement:

“Up until now, utility companies have driven the conversation on energy. I am thrilled to see that is no longer the case. This shows a clear indication that the people who will lead the charge toward clean, renewable energy and jobs will be those who truly believe in it, and not those who stand to benefit from slowing down the process. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to develop and implement the crucial Clean Energy Jobs Act.”