Castro reacts to Senate passing balanced budget

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after the Senate voted for a balanced budget Friday evening.

“This budget represents hope for our state and brings stability to Illinois. I voted for this budget, not only because it is truly balanced, but because it funds the services that have been put on the back burner the last few years and the services that many people in my district rely on.

“After living with the consequences of what a budget impasse did to higher education in our state, this budget makes higher education a priority, especially for students coming from working and middle-class families.

“This budget increases MAP Grant funding by $50 million and gives the AIM HIGH program an additional $10 million. My hope is that this investment will give Illinois students a reason to continue their education here in the state and become working members of our communities.

Castro votes to ensure women will continue to have the right to choose

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) voted in favor of the Reproductive Health Care Act today, reassuring women in Illinois that their right to choose will be protected regardless of action at the federal level.

“It is a woman’s fundamental right to accessible and safe reproductive health care,” Castro said. “By passing the Reproductive Health Care Act, Illinois is taking a strong and clear stance against the threat women are facing in our country. I am proud to support this measure that will ensure that if Roe v. Wade does get overturned, women in Illinois will maintain the fundamental right to all forms of reproductive health care.”

Castro pushes for non-binary sex option on driver’s licenses

SPRINGFIELD – Drivers will hopefully be able to choose a gender-neutral option to put on their driver’s license or ID cards, thanks to Elgin Democrat State Senator Cristina Castro.

Castro’s measure would allow applications to choose between “male”, “female” or “non-binary” when defining their sex on their driver’s license or ID card.

“It has always been stressed that our driver’s license and state ID cards should be as accurate as possible,” Castro said. “Allowing a gender neutral option only helps to make it more accurate. It has been long enough, and it’s time for not only the state, but its agencies to adapt.”

Currently, eight states and the District of Columbia offer a gender-neutral option on driver’s licenses and ID cards. 

House Bill 3534 passed both chambers and now awaits action by the governor.

Castro votes to legalize adult-use cannabis

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) voted for a bill Wednesday that would legalize and regulate adult-use cannabis in Illinois.

House Bill 1438 also gives local governments control and allows for the expungement of minor cannabis offenses.

“Cannabis has been over criminalized for decades and, under this measure, thousands of low-level cannabis convictions would be expunged,” Castro said. “I am proud to support legislation that addresses the underlying concerns and injustices that have been occurring for far too long.”

This measure would also give local governments the ability to limit or prevent cannabis businesses in their communities. They would also be given the authority to enact ordinances allowing public consumption.

“Allowing municipalities to choose what is best for their communities in regards to legal cannabis is the right thing to do,” Castro said. “Each community is different and should be allowed to do what is best for them.”

House Bill 1438 passed the Senate and will now move to the House for consideration.