Castro stands up for substance-exposed infants and their caregivers

A new measure led by State Senator Cristina Castro to proactively address substance use disorders during pregnancy and safeguard maternal and infant health cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“Compassion and support are crucial for upholding the health and wellbeing of all mothers and infants,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By establishing this task force, we can take a proactive stance to address substance use disorders during pregnancy and find ways to holistically support families with newborns.”

The bill is a response to recommendations from the Illinois Maternal Mortality Review Committee, as substance use disorders are a leading cause of maternal mortality in the state. The Illinois Department of Public Health found that the leading cause of pregnancy-related death from 2018 to 2020 was substance use disorder, which comprised 32% of pregnancy-related deaths.

Read more …

Castro works to bring tax relief to emergency services volunteers

State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure that would enable volunteers who serve at local disaster and emergency services agencies in Illinois to qualify for the volunteer emergency worker tax credit.

“When disaster strikes, emergency services volunteers are there to provide assistance, perform damage assessments, remove debris and, ultimately, help our communities recover,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Giving them the ability to claim the same tax credit as volunteer firefighters is one small way we can extend our gratitude for their service while providing an incentive for others to volunteer in their communities.”

Read more …

Castro: Proposed budget lays out compassionate, responsible spending plan

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement Wednesday regarding Governor JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:

“I was glad to hear the governor talk about serious investments in higher education — not just for four-year students, but for community college students, first-generation students and working students. These investments are important for the next generation, for our workforce and for making Illinois the best place to raise a family and build a career.

Read more …

Castro, Senate Democrats outline plans to remove barriers to infertility treatment

Medical treatments for infertility are increasingly expensive and difficult to navigate, rendering a growing number of women in Illinois unable to access the care necessary to start or grow their family. In response, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus held a press conference Wednesday to highlight legislation they are championing to make infertility treatments like IVF and preservation services more accessible.

“A failure by insurance companies to recognize and respond to women’s health needs is yet another barrier women have to overcome to access necessary care,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). “Removing the financial barriers to diabetes, obesity and infertility treatment will help men and women across Illinois live healthier lives.”

In response to the growing number of Illinoisans who struggle to afford the care needed to diagnose and treat infertility, Castro is sponsoring legislation to tackle the cost. Senate Bill 2572 would require employers with more than 25 employees to provide coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility in women, along with coverage for injectable medicines that improve glucose levels for those diagnosed with pre-diabetes, diabetes or obesity.

Read more …