Castro-backed bill would protect state budget from federal cuts

 SPRINGFIELD — With rising threats to state funding for vital programs from the federal administration, State Senator Cristina Castro backed a measure that would safeguard the state’s budget and ensure that communities continue to receive funding for economic development projects in the face of economic uncertainty.

“Working families shouldn’t have to pay the price for this administration’s recklessness,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The threats to funding for our safety net programs requires us to step up to the plate to fill the void.”

The federal administration's budget cuts threaten to create a $267 million shortfall in Illinois' Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Senate Bill 1911 would recover nearly $250 million of that lost revenue by strategically decoupling from federal tax policy changes that benefit large corporations at the expense of working families and update definitions to align with federal law.

Additionally, the measure calls for sales tax and revenue bonds – or STAR bonds – to be permitted for use within local municipalities. The STAR bonds initiative helps finance the construction of local retail, tourism and entertainment projects. This would empower local municipalities with additional revenue, helping them attract visitors, draw in investments and create more jobs.

“Responsibility means stepping up to keep dollars in our local economies, where they fuel job growth and support our communities,” said Castro. “Access to revenue during these trying times will protect Illinois businesses owners and families alike.”

Senate Bill 1911 passed the Senate on Friday and on its way to the governor for final approval.

Castro-supported bill protects workers from unfair retaliation

 SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro supported legislation aimed at preserving immigrant workers’ rights. The measure comes in response to growing concerns regarding federal immigration crackdown of Illinois residents over the last few months.

“Jobs are lifelines for everyone,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We are taking effective steps, ensuring our hard-working residents don’t have to look over their shoulder at a safe place such as their work.”

Last year, Senator Castro backed legislation that required employers to give their workers time to correct documentation discrepancies and barred employers from taking any adverse action against an employee because of a discrepancy. Senate Bill 2339, would ensure employees’ rights are protected if an employer has received notice of document discrepancies, including the right to be free from adverse action solely because of a receipt of a discrepancy notice from a federal entity. It also would establish a procedure to resolve violations of these protections and would create a pathway for the employee to take legal action against the employer should these rights be violated.

Additionally, the measure would enable attorneys, union representatives, and similar individuals to act as an employee’s authorized representative and require employers to provide an explanation of the employee's right to have legal representation present during any meetings between the employee and the employer in notices sent between them.

“By taking steps to protect residents from unfair retaliation on the job, we are taking action as a state to provide safer workplaces for everyone,” said Castro. “These changes will enhance the protection of our immigrant workers and prevent employers from taking advantage while those workers remain vulnerable from something as simple as a bureaucratic error.”

Senate Bill 2339 was sent to the Governor on Thursday.

Castro respalda la medida para proteger a los inquilinos de las tarifas ocultas

SPRINGFIELD — Más de un millón de inquilinos en Illinois podrían obtener protecciones adicionales al rentar una vivienda a un propietario, gracias al firme apoyo de la senadora estatal Cristina Castro.

"En estos tiempos en que la vivienda y el costo de vida son elevados, el número de tasas que se cobran por encontrar una vivienda supone una carga adicional para nuestras familias trabajadoras," afirmó Castro (D- Elgin). "Este proyecto de ley tiene por objeto defender a los inquilinos de las tasas que les impiden mantener a sus familias."

El proyecto de ley 3564 de la Cámara de Representantes Estatal corregiría las prácticas injustas de los propietarios en relación con las tasas innecesarias, ya que anteriormente se les permitía cobrar un número ilimitado de tasas a su discreción. Las tasas innecesarias van desde las tasas de solicitud de más de $50 dólares hasta la modificación o renovación de un contrato de alquiler o las solicitudes de mantenimiento. Esta medida garantizaría que los inquilinos no se sorprendan con tasas ocultas que no se revelan en su contrato de alquiler.

"Espero que más residentes del distrito 22 puedan encontrar una vivienda sin temor a endeudarse," afirmó Castro. "La vivienda es un derecho, no un privilegio."

El proyecto de ley HB 3564 fue aprobado por el Senado el jueves.

Castro hace una declaración después de aprobarse la reforma del transporte público

SPRINGFIELD — La senadora estatal Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) emitió la siguiente declaración sobre la aprobación del proyecto de ley 2111 del Senado, una ley que introduce reformas para fortalecer los sistemas de transporte público de Illinois:

"Los beneficios de esta medida de transporte público proporcionarán una mayor supervisión, garantizarán que las comunidades de los suburbios tengan voz y voto, y protegerán la continuidad de los servicios de transporte público como Metra y Pace en nuestra comunidad.

“Con este proyecto de ley, garantizamos que los trabajadores del transporte público mantengan sus puestos de trabajo y puedan seguir alimentando y manteniendo a sus familias. Abarca soluciones a largo plazo sin que las inversiones se equilibren a expensas de nuestras familias trabajadoras".

El proyecto de ley 2111 del Senado fue aprobado. Ahora se remitirá al gobernador para su consideración.