State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure that would enable volunteers who serve at local disaster and emergency services agencies in Illinois to qualify for the volunteer emergency worker tax credit.

“When disaster strikes, emergency services volunteers are there to provide assistance, perform damage assessments, remove debris and, ultimately, help our communities recover,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Giving them the ability to claim the same tax credit as volunteer firefighters is one small way we can extend our gratitude for their service while providing an incentive for others to volunteer in their communities.”

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement Wednesday regarding Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:

“I was glad to hear the governor talk about serious investments in higher education — not just for four-year students, but for community college students, first-generation students and working students. These investments are important for the next generation, for our workforce and for making Illinois the best place to raise a family and build a career.

Medical treatments for infertility are increasingly expensive and difficult to navigate, rendering a growing number of women in Illinois unable to access the care necessary to start or grow their family. In response, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference Wednesday to highlight legislation they are championing to make infertility treatments like IVF and preservation services more accessible.

“A failure by insurance companies to recognize and respond to women’s health needs is yet another barrier women have to overcome to access necessary care,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Removing the financial barriers to diabetes, obesity and infertility treatment will help men and women across Illinois live healthier lives.”

In response to the growing number of Illinoisans who struggle to afford the care needed to diagnose and treat infertility, Castro is sponsoring legislation to tackle the cost. Senate Bill 2572 would require employers with more than 25 employees to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women, along with coverage for injectable medicines that improve glucose levels for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes, diabetes or obesity.

February is Heart Health Month, and State Senator Cristina Castro is teaming up with Ascension Health and the Hanover Township Office of Community Health to celebrate by offering free heart health screenings to the community.

“By offering free, accessible heart health screenings in one place, we hope to make it easier for people to stay on top of their cardiovascular health,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage everyone who could benefit from these screenings to come out and join us this Heart Health Month.”

Castro’s annual heart health event will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9-11 a.m. at the Hanover Township Senior Center, located at 240 Illinois Route 59, Bartlett. Attendees will have access to blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments, glucose checks and diabetes education, body composition analysis, heart health nutrition education and more. Appointments can be made online, although they are not required for participation in the event.