Welcome to Senator Cristina Castro's legislative website

Castro encourages municipalities, park districts to apply for IDNR grant

ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is urging park districts and municipalities in the 22^nd District to apply for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Open Space land Acquisition and Development grant.

“Families in our community deserve a place where they can spend time together and enjoy the outdoors,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By investing in our parks, we invest in the children and families who use them.”

This year, $37.5 million in grant funding is available for qualifying applicants. IDNR will provide funding to cover 90% of eligible projects in underserved communities. Eligible projects can include development or renovation of picnic tables, playgrounds, fishing piers, sports courts/fields, park paths and more.

Communities whose parks have been damaged as a result of severe weather are encouraged to apply as well.

OSLAD is a matching state grant program that offers monetary assistance for the acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has awarded over $675 million for local park projects across the state.

“I encourage eligible parks in our community to apply for the OSLAD grant,” said Castro. “This is an opportunity to make improvements to our local parks which is essential for community connection and the well-being of residents.”

The application is open now and closes on Aug. 31. More information can be found here.

Castro highlights R3 grant awarded to Elgin Community College

ELGIN — Thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro, Elgin Community College will receive over $260,000 in funding through the state’s Restore, Reinvest, Renew program to support workforce readiness, career training and other economic development programs geared toward underserved communities.

“This program plays a role in ensuring equity in all Illinois communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Every Illinoisan, regardless of where they live, deserves the resources they need to build a career and live a fruitful life.”

The R3 program, administered by the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, aims to fund programs in Illinois communities that serve residents in designated eligible R3 zones. R3 grants invest in organizations that support five core areas: community reentry, economic development, civil legal aid, violence prevention and youth development.

In Castro’s district, Elgin Community College is set to receive $261,920 for economic development-focused programming. The grant will support ECC’s ability to expand training, build workforce readiness and connect students and families with in-demand credentials and employment opportunities across the region.

“By investing in communities that have been left behind in the past, we begin to heal and create future success for residents,” Castro said. “This funding is more than an investment – it is a step toward dismantling the systemic barriers that burden our community.”

Since 2021, the program has awarded over $290 million to organizations across the state. Learn more about the program here.

Castro secures over $585,000 for schools, library districts

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced local community and school libraries will receive more than $585,000 in grant funding for library services, security upgrades, new technology, and enhanced programming.

“Libraries serve as welcoming spaces for residents to grow their knowledge and cultivate curiosity and imagination,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I look forward to seeing this funding expand opportunities for our local libraries to expand programs and opportunities for 22^nd District families.”

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Castro’s law strengthens postpartum home visiting programs

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a new law that will expand at-home care for newborns and their families.

“The early months of parenthood can be both rewarding and overwhelming,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Ensuring new mothers have access to resources, guidance and community support helps create a stronger foundation for families to thrive.”

Over the last three decades, Illinois has administered home visiting programs to assist with child development, parenting skills, family bonding and health, and more. The current home visiting system is a valuable resource for early childhood development statewide, serving approximately 17,000 Illinois families annually. Home visiting programs are proven to have significant positive effects on maternal and family well-being by improving maternal mental and behavioral health, parent-child interactions and family economic circumstances.

Castro’s law builds on current state support by authorizing the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop and oversee a statewide, voluntary, no-cost newborn home visiting program that will aid with existing and future short-term universal newborn home visiting services, from lactation support to health screenings. Through Castro’s law, the department will be empowered to establish evidence-based service models, coordinate funding and data efforts, and collaborate with stakeholders to expand services for newborns and their families.

“This is a meaningful step forward in our long-standing commitment to the well-being of families across the state,” said Castro. “My colleagues and I will continue to work on solutions that continue to fulfill this commitment to working families.”

House Bill 4606 was signed on Friday and takes effect July 1, 2027.