SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro that establishes March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Wednesday.

"This is an opportunity to join Illinois with the international community and officially recognize the progress we have made together for women’s rights,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Women have contributed so much to our state and nation including serving in our armed forces, breaking barriers in the technology and innovation sectors, and fighting for equality for all people. Let us take the time to recognize and lift up those accomplishments today.”

March 8 of each year is recognized as International Women's Day by countries around the world to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles that women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender equality.

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ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced more than $1.6 million in state grants are coming to support projects at three local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Funding local parks, recreation programming and forest preservation helps ensure that families and their children will have sustainable environments and places to enjoy the outdoors together for years to come,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “These grants empower our communities to highlight and preserve their natural resources and encourages all Illinoisans to get outside and enjoy these spaces.” 

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. The Streamwood Park District is set to receive $467,081 and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will see $600,000 in funds from the program this year. The Park District of Hanover Park is also set to receive $600,000 to acquire land and develop recreational activities.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website. 

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro will host an award ceremony on March 1 to present a Purple Heart medal to its rightful owner.

“My staff worked in close collaboration with Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office to receive this award for Mr. Ortiz, who served in the Marine unit that suffered the highest percentage of casualties during the war in Afghanistan,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Over 100 Marines in his unit have received a Purple Heart for their sacrifices and wounds sustained during deployment. It is time we honor all of the unit’s sacrifices and show our deep gratitude to Mr. Ortiz and his family by presenting him with this rightfully-deserved medal.”

Anthony Ortiz, who served in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan between 2010 and 2011, will be presented with his Purple Heart on Wednesday, March 1 at noon. The event is open to media and will take place at the American Legion Post 57 in Elgin.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those who are wounded or killed during war or in a terrorist attack. It is the oldest U.S. military decoration, with its first award coming from General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782.

Read more about the ceremony here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/ct-ecn-elgin-purple-heart-awarded-duckworth-st-0303-20230302-zwibnkfuhbcwxcmcgtfwcgnabu-story.html

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget:

“As someone who represents many schools in the second-largest school district in Illinois, I am pleased to see that the governor is proposing $350 million for evidence-based funding for our schools to ensure teachers, students with disabilities and English language learners have the support they need to succeed. Our students have endured so much over the last few years – it is time we fully invest in the high-quality education they deserve.

“Shoring up our labor force and investing in education should be top priorities. I remain committed to supporting green energy workforce initiatives that align with our state’s clean energy goals, and will continue working to make sure these programs are set up for success in this year’s budget.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to negotiate a budget that moves our economy forward and fulfills our responsibilities to the working and middle class families in our state.”