SPRINGFIELD – Following the selection of the new Legislative Inspector General Wednesday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement:

“We need to make sure the General Assembly has the proper ethical oversight, and it’s about time we select someone who understands the importance of this job.

“The Hon. Michael P. McCuskey’ commitment to public service through his work as a public defender and a judge makes him an outstanding person for the job. 

“We’ve waited too long to fill the Legislative Inspector General position, and I am glad to see it finally happening. Selecting someone who will ensure ethics are upheld to the highest extent has always been a top priority, and I believe Judge McCuskey is up to the job.”

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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