Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro
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Castro launches annual Summer Book Club for students

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Category: News
Friday, June 06, 2025 01:02 PM

To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Cristina Castro is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their studies during the summer vacation.

“Books have the power to transport us to new places, introduce us to diverse perspectives and expand our understanding of the world,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Summer Book Club is a perfect opportunity to encourage young readers to explore the limitless possibilities reading offers.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Castro’s Elgin office by Friday, Aug. 15. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive an ice cream gift card from Senator Castro.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download and print here. Families can also fill out the form virtually by clicking here. People with questions can reach out to Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.

Castro: Budget meets the moment, uplifts students and working families

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Category: News
Saturday, May 31, 2025 11:29 PM

After the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget Saturday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“In Illinois, we invest in what lifts families up — good schools, job opportunities, housing, financial aid for college students and more. As a proud community college graduate and first in my family to earn a master’s degree, I know the value of investing in the higher education hubs that fuel our economy and help residents thrive.

“Our budget increases funding for universities and invests an additional $10 million in need-based financial aid through the Monetary Award Program. Together, these will help our college systems better serve and attract students while easing the burden on families across the Northwest Suburbs who are saving for their child’s future by making college more affordable.

“Ensuring stability and predictability, especially for students and working families, is a top priority. We have a federal government that is intent on stripping funding from Illinoisans in every way possible as punishment for standing firm in our progressive values.

“The budget we delivered today rises above those threats and rhetoric to do the real, hard work of funding essential services Illinois families rely on.”

Castro leads dual credit expansion plan

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Category: News
Thursday, May 29, 2025 07:51 PM

State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to expand high-quality dual credit options that will save Illinois students time and money toward their degree while they earn college credit.

“Finishing high school with college credits already completed can open the doors to a meaningful higher education experience,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By enhancing the dual credit network across Illinois’ 48 community colleges, we are putting more students – not just those who can afford college tuition – on a fast track to success.”

Dual credit instruction makes higher education more attainable, especially for first-generation and lower-income students, by offering high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit through a single course. Students who earn dual credit in high school complete their college and university degrees at higher rates and are often able to save money as a result of having fewer college credits to pay tuition for.

Read more …

Castro secures $4.5 million for infrastructure projects in Elgin, Streamwood

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Category: News
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 09:09 AM

Thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s advocacy efforts, Elgin and Streamwood are set to receive over $4.5 million in combined grants to fund infrastructure projects that enhance mobility across the 22nd District. The grants were awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Dollars we continue to put toward Illinois’ infrastructure are revitalizing aging roads and bridges, creating jobs and growing the economy by increasing mobility across the Northwest Suburbs,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Getting much-needed improvement projects over the finish line is a win and will benefit our communities for years to come.”

Castro secured $3 million for the construction of a new Fox River Bike Trail underpass as part of Elgin’s Kimball Street Bridge project. Once completed, the bridge’s underpass will enhance accessibility and usability of the Fox River Trail. Currently, cyclists have to exit the trail, cross the river at Kimball Street and North Grove Avenue, and then reenter the trail.

Read more …

  1. Castro stands up to federal interference, protects Illinois public employees
  2. Castro fights to protect state employees, programs from federal interference
  3. Castro stands with immigrant community amid federal attempts at intimidation
  4. Elgin-area school libraries receive funding thanks to Castro

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Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 22nd Senate District in the Illinois General Assembly. On this website, you can learn a little bit about me, my record in the General Assembly and the services I can provide you.

Senator Cristina Castro signature 

State Senator Cristina Castro
Majority Caucus Whip
22nd Senate District

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Contact Info

District Office:
164 E. Chicago St.
Suite 201
Elgin, IL 60120
847-214-8864 phone

Springfield Office:
121-C Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
217-782-7746 phone

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