ELGIN – Today, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced that Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School in Elgin and Glenbrook Elementary School in Streamwood have been awarded Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grants given out by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

“I’m grateful to hear that both Glenbrook Elementary and Elgin Math and Science Academy will be receiving grants,” Castro said. “We have great natural resources in this state. Taking students on a field trip to see some of them in person can be a wonderful experience.”

Elgin Math and Science Academy Charter School will take students to the Northeast Neighborhood Association Butterfly Garden and Glenbrook Elementary School will plan a trip to The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle.

“These field trips help get kids excited about science,” Castro said. “We need more people to pursue important careers in the life sciences.”

The competitive grants were awarded by a team of judges after reviewing all applications. The deadline for Fiscal Year 2021 applications is January 31, 2021.

CHICAGO – Yesterday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) held a press conference at the ALCU Illinois headquarters, alongside fellow lawmaker State Representative Ann Williams (D-Chicago), to speak about The Protecting Household Privacy Act.

“This proposal is the first measure in the nation that creates privacy rights regarding smart household devices,” Castro said. “Law enforcement should have the same evidence laws they use to come through you door to look through your wife doorbell.”

Senate Bill 3414 creates the Protecting Household Privacy Act, which prohibits a law enforcement agency from obtaining household electronic data.

The legislation is an initiative of ACLU-Illinois and is the first measure in the nation that specifically deals with privacy rights regarding “smart” household devices.

ELGIN – Today, Gov. Pritzker announced the first two cases of coronavirus in the state outside of Cook County. One of the two cases is in Kane County.

“I have been in contact with the governor, the Department of Public Health (IDPH) and other health officials about what the next step will be in containment and what we can do to protect our most vulnerable residents,” Castro said. “I advise everyone in Kane County and throughout Illinois to continue to take the steps recommended by the Department of Public Health to keep themselves and everyone around them as safe and healthy as possible.”

IDPH recommends that everyone:

- Wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people who have respiratory symptoms.
- Stay home when sick.
- Cover their cough or sneeze with a tissue and then immediately throw it away.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Discuss the influenza vaccine with their medical provider if they have not already gotten a flu shot.

Additional recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in communities, at home, in schools, at work and in long-term care facilities is available on IDPH’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced Tuesday that local governments and community groups are now able to apply for a portion of nearly $80 million grant to update critical infrastructure and spur economic development.

“With these grants, Illinois is investing in its residents,” Castro said. “When new economic development and jobs are created in our local communities the entire state benefits.”

The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will allow communities and stakeholders to apply for these funds. It will distribute the funds to local governments, not-for-profits, economic development groups and even private businesses, which will create new job and economic opportunities.

DCEO has allocated $50 million for public infrastructure investments (available only to local governments), $16.5 million for regional economic development projects and $13 million ready-to-go for construction projects. Potential projects also include improvements to utility lines and waste disposal systems, land and building acquisition, and architectural planning and engineering design.

Applications for public infrastructure grants must be submitted by June 30, but others will be accepted on a rolling basis. Available grants, project guidelines and application materials can be found here.

For additional information on these funds, prospective applicants can visit DCEO’s website here. Interested parties can send questions to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 217-785-6174.