ELGIN – After Gov. JB Pritzker signed the state budget for the next fiscal year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who supported the budget proposals during the brief May session, released the following statement:

“The budget is a realistic response to the current fiscal situation the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with. It contains relief for our local small businesses, funding to provide PPE to our community’s hard working medical professionals, rent and mortgage assistance for families hit the hardest by the crisis, and support for immigrant and underserved communities who have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.”

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Castro joined a coalition of black and Latino lawmakers and leaders for a press conference regarding systemic racial injustices faced by black communities, and released the following statement:

“Black lives matter. It is extremely difficult to be a person of color in America, and I stand strongly and proudly with my black brothers and sisters in their struggle for justice. As lawmakers, we have not just a duty to fix the problems faced by black communities on a daily basis, but also the power to personally do the fixing. We must seek a legislative response to these pressing issues.”

ELGIN – With all regions of Illinois entering Phase 3 of the governor’s Restore Illinois plan Friday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging residents to support area bars and restaurants by dining locally.

“Like many of us, our favorite local bars and restaurants have been struggling in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic,” Castro said. “With outdoor dining now available, it’s even easier to show your support and help these community businesses keep their doors open, lights on and staff paid.”

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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.”