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.”

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.