ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is applauding Thursday’s announcement by Flender Corporation, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that Flender will expand its current Elgin manufacturing facility to create 50 new full-time jobs and retain 140 existing full-time jobs.

“Flender's expansion is a win for both Elgin workers and our clean energy economy,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Illinois has smartly positioned itself to be a hub for innovation and manufacturing in the clean energy sector, and we aren't stopping now.”

“I’m thrilled that the team at Flender has recognized what companies like Google, Ferrero, Rivian, and so many more have — Illinois is an incredible place to do business with one of the strongest workforces in the country,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Not only will these added jobs uplift communities and put individuals on a career path to success, they will also build a better future by powering the growing clean energy economy in Illinois.”

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SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro that establishes March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Wednesday.

"This is an opportunity to join Illinois with the international community and officially recognize the progress we have made together for women’s rights,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Women have contributed so much to our state and nation including serving in our armed forces, breaking barriers in the technology and innovation sectors, and fighting for equality for all people. Let us take the time to recognize and lift up those accomplishments today.”

March 8 of each year is recognized as International Women's Day by countries around the world to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles that women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender equality.

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ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced more than $1.6 million in state grants are coming to support projects at three local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Funding local parks, recreation programming and forest preservation helps ensure that families and their children will have sustainable environments and places to enjoy the outdoors together for years to come,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “These grants empower our communities to highlight and preserve their natural resources and encourages all Illinoisans to get outside and enjoy these spaces.” 

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. The Streamwood Park District is set to receive $467,081 and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will see $600,000 in funds from the program this year. The Park District of Hanover Park is also set to receive $600,000 to acquire land and develop recreational activities.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website. 

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro will host an award ceremony on March 1 to present a Purple Heart medal to its rightful owner.

“My staff worked in close collaboration with Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office to receive this award for Mr. Ortiz, who served in the Marine unit that suffered the highest percentage of casualties during the war in Afghanistan,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Over 100 Marines in his unit have received a Purple Heart for their sacrifices and wounds sustained during deployment. It is time we honor all of the unit’s sacrifices and show our deep gratitude to Mr. Ortiz and his family by presenting him with this rightfully-deserved medal.”

Anthony Ortiz, who served in the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan between 2010 and 2011, will be presented with his Purple Heart on Wednesday, March 1 at noon. The event is open to media and will take place at the American Legion Post 57 in Elgin.

The Purple Heart is awarded to those who are wounded or killed during war or in a terrorist attack. It is the oldest U.S. military decoration, with its first award coming from General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782.

Read more about the ceremony here: https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/elgin-courier-news/ct-ecn-elgin-purple-heart-awarded-duckworth-st-0303-20230302-zwibnkfuhbcwxcmcgtfwcgnabu-story.html