SPRINGFIELD – To combat rising utility bills for Illinoisans, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) has introduced legislation to end a surcharge used by natural gas companies to fund projects some argue are unnecessary, she announced in a Monday news conference.

“Utility bills are on the rise, which is hurting our consumers who have already had a difficult two years with the ongoing pandemic,” Castro said. “This legislation is about oversight. Natural gas companies have a responsibility to upgrade their systems efficiently to ensure the burden doesn’t fall on their ratepayers.”

Senate Bill 570 will help end excessive gas utility spending by ending the “Qualified Infrastructure Plant” natural gas surcharge. This surcharge historically has been used by natural gas utilities to fund urgent repairs to systems, like replacing dangerous cast iron pipes. However, this charge has continued to appear on ratepayers’ bills despite the completion of many of those types of projects. 

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ELGIN – To help local businesses hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, 29 businesses in the district represented by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) have been awarded grants in the most recent round of Back to Business Program funding.

“Times have been tough on our small businesses, and folks who run and work at these places have been in a state of unpredictability for two years,” Castro said. “The B2B program is helping our salons, restaurants, gyms and more stay open and continue operations safely.”

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ELGIN – Gail Borden Public Library and Schaumburg Township District Library will be receiving grants from the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State to help them recover from the ongoing pandemic and expand their services thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“I’m proud to see these two libraries receiving this grant at such a critical time,” Castro said. “From teaming with my office to host events like job fairs and vaccine clinics to putting on virtual story times for families, they are both important fixtures in our community.”

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ELGIN – To highlight older Illinoisans who excel in community service, education, the arts and the labor force, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is reminding residents to nominate an adult age 65 and over to the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame.

“We all have an older person in our life that has made an impact on us, whether it be a teacher, neighbor or family member,” Castro said. “Nominating them for this award is a great way to show your appreciation and spotlight all the ways older residents enrich our lives.”

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