Castro gives school nurses ability to administer medicinal cannabis

SPRINGFIELD – School nurses will soon be able to provide medicinal cannabis to eligible students under a new law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) that was signed by the governor today.

“There are many students across the state who rely on medicinal cannabis as part of their medical regimen,” Castro said. “Ideally, the parents of these students would provide the medications, but it’s often the case that the parents are unable to make it to the school due to other commitments. By giving school nurses the ability to administer these important medications, we can ensure that students across Illinois are getting the proper treatment they require.”

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Castro Creates Veterans' Service-Related Ailments Task Force

SPRINGFIELD – A task force aimed at examining the service-related ailments veterans often suffer will soon meet, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Our servicemen and women risk everything to protect our country, but once their service is finished and they seek treatment for conditions that arose as a result of their service, many veterans find themselves waiting months, sometimes even years, to get that treatment,” Castro said. “This is unacceptable. We owe it to the brave men and women who defended our freedom to give them the treatment they need. This task force will help identify and correct the issues that lead to delays.”

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Castro law bans employers from asking applicant’s salary history

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Castro’s bill strengthening the Illinois Equal Pay Act and tackling the wage gap was signed into law today.

House Bill 834 prohibits employers from asking about salary histories when interviewing job applicants in an effort to reduce the effects of pay discrimination from past jobs.

“This new law addresses a wide range of people” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Men and women of all ages and backgrounds should have an equal chance to succeed, and that is what I will continue to fight for as a member of this General Assembly.

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Castro streamlines legal procedures for immigrant children

CHICAGO –State Senator Cristina Castro’s push to allow more Illinois courts to determine whether to give an undocumented child lawful permanent residence was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

House Bill 1553 allows civil courts to determine whether a child with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is eligible to be given lawful permanent residence. Under current law, only juvenile courts in Illinois may make this determination.

“This is about ensuring the safety of some of the most vulnerable people in our state,” said Castro, (D-Elgin). “We have an obligation to protect children regardless of their immigration status, and this law will expedite that process.”

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