Streamlined application process for cannabis workers passes Senate thanks to Senator Castro

SPRINGFIELD – As the cannabis industry continues to grow in Illinois, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has championed a measure to ensure prospective employees at dispensary or cultivation centers have an equitable application process.

“The cannabis industry has provided a boost to the Illinois economy,” Castro said. “Streamlining the process for people to get involved in this business will ensure a more equitable, diverse workforce and bring multiple cannabis laws on the books in line with each other.”

Currently, individuals who wish to work for a cannabis dispensary or cultivation center are subject to two different application processes – one for medical and one for adult-use. However, practically speaking most medical dispensaries also serve adult use cannabis.  House Bill 2380 streamlines the process for prospective dispensary and cultivation center employees to receive their identification cards by consolidating the application process.

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Castro: Budget will continue our path to economic recovery and help Illinois families

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Senate’s advancement of the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax relief plan, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“Illinois’ fiscal standing continues to improve, and now we have a budget to continue our progress while also ensuring taxpayers reap the benefits of our growing economy.

“Additionally, our relief plan to pause the 1% sales tax on groceries, provide direct tax refund payments to residents and expand the Earned Income Tax Credit will allow for a much-needed injection of activity into our economy, while also ensuring our families can afford the things they need the most.

“I am also pleased to see our K-12 school districts being fully funded—our students have faced a disruptive two years, and ensuring our most vulnerable school districts can support getting children back on track is critical.

“Investments in community public safety is also paramount; that’s why I’m glad to see millions of dollars in funding to strengthen violence prevention initiatives and address law enforcement’s needs, including funding for local organizations.

“We are also catching up on unpaid bills, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. I look forward to getting ahead on our pension payments and putting $1 billion aside for stability in our Rainy Day Fund.”

Castro celebrates Medicaid coverage for midwifery service under measure advanced by Senate

SPRINGFIELD – Eligible mothers who choose to utilize a midwife during the pregnancy and birthing process may soon have services covered under Medicaid thanks to legislation supported by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Last year, after decades of work, we passed a law to officially license and certify midwives in Illinois,” said Castro, who sponsored the Licensed Certified Professional Midwife Practice Act. “We knew to truly make a difference, access to these services needed to be as equitable as possible, and expanding Medicaid coverage for them will create more options to mothers who need it most.”

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Senate approves Castro measure to combat wage theft in the construction industry

SPRINGFIELD – To help ensure construction workers are properly compensated, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) spearheaded a measure to allow construction workers employed by a subcontractor who fails to pay them to seek remedy from the primary contractor.

“Construction sites can involve a complicated network of multiple subcontractors and dozens of workers,” Castro said. “When subcontractors fail to pay their workers, we have a duty to ensure there is a mechanism in place for workers to receive their hard-earned wages.”

In a typical construction project, commercial property owners or developers will hire a primary, also called a general, contractor to oversee a project. The general contractor will hire and coordinate with subcontractors, such as ones specializing in painting, window installation, electrical and more. Subcontractors employ their own workers to carry out their part of the project.

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