Welcome to Senator Cristina Castro legislative website

Castro-led ban on credit card ‘swipe fees’ upheld by federal court

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro celebrated a federal court’s recent decision upholding the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, paving the way for Illinois to become the first state in the nation to ban financial institutions from charging electronic processing fees on the tax and tip portions of credit and debit card transactions.

“This initiative will benefit small businesses and consumers across the state,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This law sends a clear message that Illinois will not waver in its commitment to safeguard the pocketbooks of our hardworking residents, and it will deliver the largest relief for Main Street businesses in decades.”

The Castro-backed measure – which was signed into law in 2024 as part of House Bill 4951 – will prohibit financial institutions from charging interchange fees – commonly known as “swipe fees” – on the tax and tip portions of debit and credit card transactions in Illinois.

Currently, retailers pay swipe fees on the base price of an electronic transaction and on the sales tax they collect for the state. These are hidden costs paid by merchants to banks and credit card companies for processing card transactions. The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act responds to these hidden costs, aiming to provide relief for customers at the checkout and promote economic fairness for merchants, retailers and small businesses across Illinois.

“The importance of ensuring transparency for consumers by removing hidden costs cannot be understated,” said Castro. “I’m pleased this ruling will allow us to use all the tools we have available to help bring down the cost of living for working families.”

The Interchange Fee Prohibition Act will go into effect July 1, 2026.

Castro leads the charge on cellphone ban in classrooms

OAK PARK - State Senator Cristina Castro held a press conference alongside Governor JB Pritzker to advocate for legislation she’s spearheading that would prohibit cellphones in classrooms.

“Every student in Illinois deserves a quality education in a productive and welcoming setting,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Reducing the harms of constant cellphone usage by students in the classroom supports academic achievement and ensures the best environment possible for learning and growth.”

Nearly 75% of high school teachers say cellphone distraction in their classroom is a major problem. Castro is spearheading Senate Bill 2427 to support learning environments where teachers can focus on teaching and students can focus on learning. The measure would require school districts in Illinois to adopt a policy limiting the use of wireless communication devices on school grounds during the day – from “bell to bell.”

The legislation calls for exceptions for students with medical needs – including students with disabilities – as well as student caregivers and English language learners who need their device to access learning materials or otherwise facilitate communication.

Additionally, this legislation would empower school districts to carve out their own exceptions, such as allowing cellphone access during lunch, in the event of an emergency, or when teachers have authorized cellphone use for educational purposes.

“Our state flourishes when our students are given the best chance to succeed,” said Castro. “Being able to collaborate with the governor and my colleagues on this bill sends a clear message to our families: our kids come first.”

Senate Bill 2427 has passed the Senate and awaits consideration in the House.

Castro exige un presupuesto responsable que ayude a los residentes de Illinois a prosperar

SPRINGFIELD — Después de que el gobernador JB Pritzker diera a conocer su propuesta de presupuesto para el próximo año fiscal, la senadora estatal Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) emitió la siguiente declaración:

“La propuesta que hemos escuchado hoy ayudará a mantener los servicios esenciales, pero una cosa queda clara: Illinois seguirá adelante a pesar de los esfuerzos de la administración Trump por castigar al estado.”

“En medio de un momento de gran incertidumbre a nivel federal, debemos mantener nuestros compromisos con las personas a las que representamos en educación, salud y vivienda para garantizar que nuestro estado siga prosperando y que las comunidades menos representadas sigan siendo visibles.

“Las inversiones propuestas en ayudas económicas para estudiantes universitarios, ayudas para el pago inicial de viviendas para compradores por primera vez y ayudas para la vivienda accesible dejan claro que nuestras prioridades comunes son seguir mejorando la situación de las familias trabajadoras. Illinois seguirá invirtiendo en oportunidades que proporcionen un sentido del sueño americano a las personas que anhelan ser dueños de una vivienda por primera vez, mantener a sus familias y alcanzar una educación universitaria.

"Durante los próximos meses, trabajaré con mis colegas para negociar un presupuesto final que sea proactivo, responsable y mantenga el apoyo a los programas, servicios e instituciones en las que confían mis constituyentes."

Castro urges responsible budgeting while helping Illinoisans thrive

 SPRINGFIELD — After Governor JB Pritzker released his proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“The proposal we heard today will help maintain essential services, but one thing remains clear: Illinois will continue to push forward despite the Trump administration’s efforts to punish the state.

“Amid a time of great uncertainty at the federal level, we must keep our commitments to the people we represent in education, health care and housing to ensure our state continues to thrive and underrepresented communities remain seen.

“The proposed investments in financial aid for college students, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and housing assistance make clear that our shared priorities are to continue to uplift working families. Illinois will continue to invest in opportunities that provide a sense of the American Dream to people who have yearned to be a first-time homeowner, to provide for their families and to reach for a college education.

“Over the next several months, I will be working with my colleagues to negotiate a final budget that is proactive, responsible, and maintains support for the programs, services and institutions my constituents rely on.”