Castro measure to protect wastewater facilities signed into law

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spearheaded a new law to update standards for nonwoven disposable wipes that can damage sewer systems when improperly disposed through being flushed down toilets.

“Non-flushable wipes that are improperly disposed of cause millions of dollars of damage to our sewer systems every year,” Castro said. “The law will help clear up confusion that consumers might have about what kind of products can and cannot be flushed, which will help protect our systems.”

Over the last 20 years, the market for nonwoven disposable wipes has grown, with a corresponding increase in improper disposal by flushing the products. These kinds of wipes can be used for personal care or for wiping down surfaces, like baby wipes or disinfectant wipes. Wipes combined with other substances like fats, oils or grease can lead to major blockages resulting in damage to sewer systems. The wipes also cause damage to home plumbing and septic systems.

The new law requires manufacturers of disposable wipes to clearly label products as “do not flush” and gives wastewater districts the ability enforce the act through fines for violations. There is currently no regulatory standard for labeling products like these, which can lead to consumer confusion about which kinds of wipes can be flushed.

Senate Bill 294 was signed into law on Friday and it goes into effect July 1, 2022.

Castro celebrates signing of Illinois Way Forward Act

AURORA – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) is proud to see the signing of a measure that will prohibit state and local law enforcement officials from arresting individuals for immigration violations and encourage residents to report crimes without fear of jeopardizing their immigration status.

“There is no reason for law enforcement officials to ask someone about their immigration status when they report a crime,” said Castro, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “This law will do more to support and empower immigrants in our community who often fear interactions, even positive ones, with law enforcement officials.”

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Castro urges Congress to act on path to citizenship

CHICAGO – This week, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) spoke at an event for the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to urge the U.S. Congress to advance a broad pathway to citizenship in the upcoming federal budget reconciliation.

“Illinois is a leader when it comes to protecting and supporting immigrants,” said Castro, co-chair of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus. “It is time for Congress to follow suit by passing a budget package that will allow immigrants in Illinois and across the country a true path to citizenship.”

In the last five years, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus has made it a top priority to make Illinois the most immigrant-friendly state in the country. With the recent partial rollback of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – otherwise known as DACA – it is even more important that the federal government commit to strengthening and supporting immigrants across the nation.

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Meet Senator Castro's Summer Interns

July 29 is National Intern Day! Senator Castro was excited to have two interns helping in her district office this summer. Read more about Ben and Jada here. 

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