CHICAGO - The Senate Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus releases the following statements from its members regarding the Emergency Rental Assistance Program introduced today by Governor JB Pritzker. The program aims to avoid massive evictions across the state due to families’ inability to pay their rent. The Latino Caucus lawmakers fought hard to make this $150 million funding available to communities in need.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin)

"This program is a step in the right direction that me and my colleagues in the Latino Caucus fought hard to secure," Castro said. "However, it is important to point out that there is still a long way to go, because Illinois currently just does not have the resources necessary in order to provide relief to the people who need it most. We still need help from the federal government to ensure that those suffering the most from the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis are supported."

ELGIN – A measure supported by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) meant to expand protections for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday.

“Essential workers literally kept our world up and running during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, so the very least we can do is expand their protections to ensure they stay safe for the duration of this crisis and for any similar future crises,” Castro said. “They perform necessary jobs, often with little thanks, so it’s about time we give back to them.”

ELGIN – Governor JB Pritzker unveiled plans to provide over $100 million in funding to community colleges in Illinois as part of the Rebuild Illinois initiative. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin was pleased to see $42 million allocated for Harper College.

“I fought hard during the negotiation process to secure these funds for Harper College,” Castro said. “Harper College is an extremely important source of education for people all across the area, and this funding boost will help them modernize their standards and procedures to provide a better experience for everyone involved.”

ELGIN –Gov. Pritzker announced new grants Thursday for state high schools to help recruit new educators. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is pleased to announce that Hoffman Estates High School will be receiving some of those funds.

“I’m thrilled to see that Hoffman Estates High School will be receiving a grant to help recruit and support a diverse faculty of teachers to help educate our students,” Castro said. “One of the most important things we can do as a society is provide a quality education for our youth. This grant will help Hoffman Estates High Schools and other school districts in the area and in the state recruit the best and brightest educators to help build a better future.”