Welcome to Senator Cristina Castro legislative website

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro celebrated a federal court’s recent decision upholding the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, paving the way for Illinois to become the first state in the nation to ban financial institutions from charging electronic processing fees on the tax and tip portions of credit and debit card transactions.

“This initiative will benefit small businesses and consumers across the state,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This law sends a clear message that Illinois will not waver in its commitment to safeguard the pocketbooks of our hardworking residents, and it will deliver the largest relief for Main Street businesses in decades.”

The Castro-backed measure – which was signed into law in 2024 as part of House Bill 4951 – will prohibit financial institutions from charging interchange fees – commonly known as “swipe fees” – on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions in Illinois.

Currently, retailers pay swipe fees on the base price of an electronic transaction and on the sales tax they collect for the state. These are hidden costs paid by merchants to banks and credit card companies for processing card transactions. The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act responds to these hidden costs, aiming to provide relief for customers at the checkout and promote economic fairness for merchants, retailers and small businesses across Illinois.

“The importance of ensuring transparency for consumers by removing hidden costs cannot be understated,” said Castro. “I’m pleased this ruling will allow us to use all the tools we have available to help bring down the cost of living for working families.”

The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act will go into effect July 1, 2026.

OAK PARK - State Senator Cristina Castro held a press conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker to advocate for legislation she’s spearheading that would prohibit cellphones in classrooms.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education in a productive and welcoming setting,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Reducing the harms of constant cellphone usage by students in the classroom supports academic achievement and ensures the best environment possible for learning and growth.”

Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction in their classroom is a major problem. Castro is spearheading Senate Bill 2427 to support learning environments where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. The measure would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day – from “bell to bell.”

The legislation calls for exceptions for students with medical needs – including students with disabilities – as well as student caregivers and English language learners who need their device to access learning materials or otherwise facilitate communication.

Additionally, this legislation would empower school districts to carve out their own exceptions, such as allowing cellphone access during lunch, in the event of an emergency, or when teachers have authorized cellphone use for educational purposes.

“Our state flourishes when our students are given the best chance to succeed,” said Castro. “Being able to collaborate with the governor and my colleagues on this bill sends a clear message to our families: our kids come first.”

Senate Bill 2427 has passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House.

 SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker released his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“The proposal we heard today will help maintain essential services, but one thing remains clear: Illinois will continue to push forward despite the Trump administration’s efforts to punish the state.

“Amid a time of great uncertainty at the federal level, we must keep our commitments to the people we represent in education, health care and housing to ensure our state continues to thrive and underrepresented communities remain seen.

“The proposed investments in financial aid for college students, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and housing assistance make clear that our shared priorities are to continue to uplift working families. Illinois will continue to invest in opportunities that provide a sense of the American Dream to people who have yearned to be a first-time homeowner, to provide for their families and to reach for a college education.

“Over the next several months, I will be working with my colleagues to negotiate a final budget that is proactive, responsible, and maintains support for the programs, services and institutions my constituents rely on.”

 ELGIN— In recognition of Heart Health Month this February, State Senator Cristina Castro is inviting residents to receive a heart health screening at the Hanover Township Senior Center.

“In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we must stop for a moment to look after our health and engage in self-care,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage residents to take advantage of this opportunity to take preventative steps as heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.”

Residents are invited to join Castro’s office for a heart health screening event on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Township Senior Center, located at 240 Illinois Route 59, Bartlett. Attendees will have access to blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments, glucose checks and diabetes education, body composition analysis, heart health nutrition education and more. Walk-ins are welcome for non-invasive screenings. For glucose and cholesterol screenings, residents should call Hanover Township at 630-483-5665 to make an appointment.

“Improving access to screenings and information regarding heart health is a top priority and creates concrete steps toward a healthier community,” Castro said.

People with questions can contact Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.