SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate passed a budget, which Castro supported:

“Now more than ever, it’s important that we create some kind of stability in a time of such uncertainty. This budget maintains education funding at all levels, keeps our obligation to make the full pension payment, and, most importantly, provides real relief and support to struggling families in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro and her colleagues in the Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday that contained protections for first responders who are affected by COVID-19 as a result of their duties.

“Now more than ever, the first responders and front-line workers who are risking their lives to keep us safe during a pandemic deserve our undying thanks and gratitude,” Castro said. “The very least we can do as a legislature is provide these brave men and women with protections since they are risking their lives every single day.”

ELGIN – The week of April 20 to April 24, 2020, has been designated National Work Zone Awareness Week by the U.S. Department of Transportation. State Senator Cristina Castro, who has championed several pieces of legislation aimed at safer driving, stressed the importance of safety in road construction areas, particularly in a time of a pandemic.

“A lot fewer people are out on the roads during the Stay at Home Order, which can lead to an increase in dangerous driving habits,” Castro said. “Less traffic might cause people to not slow down while passing through work zones, which is dangerous to the workers and to other drivers.”

“Essential workers can and should receive help caring for their children”

ELGIN – Earlier this week, Gov. JB Pritzker announced an expansion of the state’s Child Care Assistance Program to cover essential workers, a decision that State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) applauds.

“In this time of crisis, essential workers are keeping our society running, so they absolutely should receive help in caring for their children.” Castro said. “These workers are under enough stress as it is working during a pandemic, and having to worry about childcare only adds to that. By expanding CCAP to cover essential workers, we’re ensuring their children receive quality care.”