Castro urges census completion, cites area response rates

ELGIN – With the Sept. 30 conclusion of the 2020 Census looming, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is urging local residents to complete their household surveys in order to produce the most accurate count possible.

“The response rate data we have is a good sign, but there is always room for improvement,” Castro said. “With the 2020 Census cut short by a full month, the next few weeks will be crucial to ensuring that our communities get the full amount of funding and representation to which they are entitled, which the census determines.”

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Castro commends IDOT for diversity initiative

ELGIN – The Illinois Department of Transportation voted along with departments of transportation from several other Midwestern states Friday to establish a diversity committee. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who represents an area with a sizeable minority population and who has long had interest in IDOT issues, commended the vote.

“COVID-19 and the recent protests have shined a light on the struggles people of color face on a daily basis, so it’s encouraging to see state agencies across the Midwest taking initiative to look inward and self-evaluate to see where they fall short on issues of diversity,” Castro said. “I’m proud of IDOT and of departments of transportation from our neighboring states.”

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Castro: Utilities no longer driving conversation of clean energy

Sen. Cristina Castro speaks at a CEJA Rally at the Captiol in March.

ELGIN – Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled eight principles for a clean and renewable Illinois economy Friday. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who is the Senate sponsor of the long-awaited Clean Energy Jobs Act, released the following statement:

“Up until now, utility companies have driven the conversation on energy. I am thrilled to see that is no longer the case. This shows a clear indication that the people who will lead the charge toward clean, renewable energy and jobs will be those who truly believe in it, and not those who stand to benefit from slowing down the process. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to develop and implement the crucial Clean Energy Jobs Act.”

Several local businesses to receive COVID-19 relief grants

"These businesses kept our community up and running so it’s good to give them support"

ELGIN – Recipients of the first round of the state’s Business Interruption Grants were announced last week. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is congratulating the 26 local businesses that will receive a combined $420,000 in relief.

“The COVID-19 crisis has impacted all of us, including small business owners and their employees who have been living in fear of waking up one morning and no longer having a job,” Castro said. “These institutions helped keep our communities up and running during the height of the pandemic, so it’s great to be able to provide them with the support they need to keep their doors open.”

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