SPRINGFIELD – A pilot program meant to provide supervision and care to adults and children with developmental disabilities will be expanded and made permanent under a measure sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Taking care of an individual with developmental disabilities can be a real challenge and many families across the state struggle to do so,” Castro said. “The pilot program proved to be successful in providing services to those in Illinois who really needed it, which is why it should be made permanent and expanded to provide even more assistance.”

Senate Bill 3416 removes the pilot designation from what will be known as the Voucher Respite Program. Under the program, the Department of Human Services issues vouchers to participating families, which can be used to purchase services meant to provide supervision and care to individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill also removes the provider limit and expands the number of entities who may administer the program.

“Under this expansion, we’re increasing the number of families who have access to services and providing them with greater flexibility over their choices to ensure not only that their needs can be accommodated, but that the services are provided promptly and without delay,” Castro said.

The bill, which was an initiative of DHS, passed through the Senate Committee on Human Services Tuesday and awaits final action before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker delivered his Budget Address before a joint session of the General Assembly Wednesday. Upon the conclusion of the address, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“Every year that I’ve been in office, the General Assembly has fully funded the pension program and I’m pleased the governor’s proposed budget will continue that trend. As the new chair of the Senate Revenue Committee, I look forward to working with Gov. Pritzker to fulfill our responsibilities to Illinois families and keep our state on a path toward stability.”

SPRINGFIELD – Disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump Tuesday after just over seven years served. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who serves on the Joint Commission on Ethics and Lobbying Reform, issued the following statement:

“Rod Blagojevich’s sentence was commuted because he is friends with the president and appeared on his realty show, and no other reason. The misdeeds he committed while governor of our great state are disgraceful and embarrassing, and it’s a shame that his friendship with the president affords him the luxury of not facing the full consequences of his actions.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has been named chair of the Senate Revenue Committee.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to chair one of the most important committees in the Senate,” Castro said. “I think more than any other committee, Revenue affects the most people in the state the most often because bills that come through the committee affect paychecks and bank accounts. It’s a responsibility that no one should take lightly, and I’m confident in my ability to be an effective chair.”

The Revenue Committee handles all legislation affecting ways in which the state bring in money, including taxes, fees and fines. It consists of nine members and typically holds hearings on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. during the legislative session.