Castro-backed bill would protect state budget from federal cuts

 SPRINGFIELD — With rising threats to state funding for vital programs from the federal administration, State Senator Cristina Castro backed a measure that would safeguard the state’s budget and ensure that communities continue to receive funding for economic development projects in the face of economic uncertainty.

“Working families shouldn’t have to pay the price for this administration’s recklessness,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The threats to funding for our safety net programs requires us to step up to the plate to fill the void.”

The federal administration's budget cuts threaten to create a $267 million shortfall in Illinois' Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Senate Bill 1911 would recover nearly $250 million of that lost revenue by strategically decoupling from federal tax policy changes that benefit large corporations at the expense of working families and update definitions to align with federal law.

Additionally, the measure calls for sales tax and revenue bonds – or STAR bonds – to be permitted for use within local municipalities. The STAR bonds initiative helps finance the construction of local retail, tourism and entertainment projects. This would empower local municipalities with additional revenue, helping them attract visitors, draw in investments and create more jobs.

“Responsibility means stepping up to keep dollars in our local economies, where they fuel job growth and support our communities,” said Castro. “Access to revenue during these trying times will protect Illinois businesses owners and families alike.”

Senate Bill 1911 passed the Senate on Friday and on its way to the governor for final approval.

Castro-supported bill protects workers from unfair retaliation

 SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro supported legislation aimed at preserving immigrant workers’ rights. The measure comes in response to growing concerns regarding federal immigration crackdown of Illinois residents over the last few months.

“Jobs are lifelines for everyone,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We are taking effective steps, ensuring our hard-working residents don’t have to look over their shoulder at a safe place such as their work.”

Last year, Senator Castro backed legislation that required employers to give their workers time to correct documentation discrepancies and barred employers from taking any adverse action against an employee because of a discrepancy. Senate Bill 2339, would ensure employees’ rights are protected if an employer has received notice of document discrepancies, including the right to be free from adverse action solely because of a receipt of a discrepancy notice from a federal entity. It also would establish a procedure to resolve violations of these protections and would create a pathway for the employee to take legal action against the employer should these rights be violated.

Additionally, the measure would enable attorneys, union representatives, and similar individuals to act as an employee’s authorized representative and require employers to provide an explanation of the employee's right to have legal representation present during any meetings between the employee and the employer in notices sent between them.

“By taking steps to protect residents from unfair retaliation on the job, we are taking action as a state to provide safer workplaces for everyone,” said Castro. “These changes will enhance the protection of our immigrant workers and prevent employers from taking advantage while those workers remain vulnerable from something as simple as a bureaucratic error.”

Senate Bill 2339 was sent to the Governor on Thursday.

Castro backs measure to protect tenants from hidden fees

SPRINGFIELD — Over one million rental tenants in Illinois could find additional protections when renting from a landlord, thanks to strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“During these times of expensive housing and living costs, the amount of fees charged to find housing puts an extra load on our working families,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This bill is meant to defend tenants from fees that gate keep them from being able to house their families.”

House Bill 3564 would rectify unfair landlord practices regarding junk fees as landlords were previously allowed to charge an unlimited number of fees at their discretion. Junk fees range from application fees over $50 to modifying or renewing a lease to maintenance requests. This measure would ensure tenants are not surprised by hidden fees not disclosed in their lease.

 “I look forward to finding more of our residents in the 22^nd District to be able to find housing without fear of putting themselves into debt,” said Castro. “Housing is a right, not a privilege.”

HB 3564 passed the Senate on Thursday.

Castro defends state response to federal immigration intervention

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro sponsored a measure that would protect the constitutional rights of Illinois residents amid ongoing federal raids on businesses and homes.

“Our schools, our hospitals and our neighborhoods are under attack,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Our communities should not have to fear living their day-to-day lives.”

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