Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro

Castro announces additional funding to prevent food insecurity

Details: Category: Information; Friday, September 18, 2026 09:48 AM

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced new funding is available under the Illinois Grocery Initiative through the New Stores in Food Deserts, Equipment Upgrades and Grocery Rescue grant programs – representing a $26 million effort to address food deserts and prevent grocery store closures in communities across the state.

“Providing access to fresh and healthy foods is crucial,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The Illinois Grocery Initiative is helping to prevent food insecurity, eliminate food deserts and prioritize nutrition in our community.”

Castro encourages local organizations to apply for pre-apprenticeship funding

Details: Category: News; Friday, September 04, 2026 08:48 AM

ELGIN — To expand the 22nd District’s talent pipeline and boost diversity in Illinois’ construction and building trades, State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging local community-based organizations to apply for the latest round of funding through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

“Initiatives like the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are crucial in preparing the next generation of Illinoisans for careers in the construction trades,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The success of this program has been transformative for not only the residents of Illinois but for the state’s overall economic development.”

Castro announces disaster assistance available to those impacted by storms

Details: Category: News; Wednesday, August 26, 2026 08:53 AM

043025CM0003r ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Kane and Cook Counties may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“Our community has been left devastated by the effects of recent severe weather, including families and small businesses,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage residents and businesses impacted by the storms to apply for this temporary tax relief through the SBA.”

Vision care regulation and transparency bolstered under Castro law

Details: Category: News; Friday, August 21, 2026 01:20 PM

castro041025CM1069 SPRINGFIELD — To improve patient protections and strengthen industry oversight, State Senator Cristina Castro led a new law enhancing regulations for vision care organizations throughout Illinois.

“Patients deserve a vision care system that prioritizes access, transparency and choice,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By holding vision care organizations accountable, we can foster fair competition and ensure patients – not corporate interests – come first.”

Welcome

Dear Friends,

Thank you for visiting my legislative website. It is my honor to serve the citizens of the 22^nd 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.

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