Castro protects Illinois consumers from rebate fraud

SPRINGFIELD– Illinois consumers will hopefully have an added protection thanks to Elgin Democrat State Senator Cristina Castro.

Under Castro’s legislation, consumers would be protected from misleading practices, especially seniors and working families. The measure would make it an unlawful practice to offer consumers a rebate card that charges dormancy fees or other post-issuance fee.

“If a consumer is owed money from a rebate, they shouldn’t be hindered by dormancy fees,” said Castro. “It is unfair to the consumer. Consumers shouldn’t be at risk of being charged for getting a rebate. That is their money.”

This measure was an initiative from the Illinois State Treasurer to prevent banks from taking unclaimed property on rebate cards. The State Treasurer and the Attorney General have worked together to protect Illinois consumers who have money owed to them from rebates.  

Senate Bill 222 passed the Illinois State Senate and will now move to the House for consideration.

Castro honors fallen hero with bridge dedication

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) passed a measure through the Illinois Senate today honoring Sergeant Marcos Leonardo Gudino, who served the Illinois Army National Guard.

Senate Joint Resolution 1 will dedicate the US 20 bridge under Illinois Route 31 to him by renaming it the Sergeant Marcos Leonardo Gudino Memorial Bridge.

“It is an honor to be able to pay tribute to Marcos in this way,” Castro said. “He was a young man that had already accomplished so much and was meant to accomplish more. Today is a day where we remember Marcos Leonardo Gudino. I hope by dedicating this portion of the highway to him, it will serve as a reminder of what a great and courageous man he was.”

Sergeant Leonardo Gudino enlisted in August 2010 and served the Illinois Army National Guard as a medic. He planned on working for the Village of Streamwood after being offered a police officer position.

Sergeant Leonardo Gudino passed away from injuries he sustained when his military ambulance crashed while returning home from a weekend training.

Castro opposes citizenship question on 2020 U.S. Census

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after Illinois joined a coalition of other states and municipalities challenging the federal government’s attempt to add a question about a respondent’s citizenship status to the 2020 Census.

“The Census should not be used to push a political agenda,” Castro said. “It was created to find the most accurate data on all persons, not just citizens, and if this citizenship question is added, it will cause people to shy away from participating. We cannot allow this political intrusion to skew the accuracy of findings that we use as a guide for the next decade of public policy.”

Castro seeks local input for Elgin infrastructure hearing

ELGIN – Local government entities and other organizations will have the chance to share their thoughts this April on a potential infrastructure plan for the state at a hearing for the Transportation Subcommittee on Capital.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) pushed for Elgin to be included in a statewide tour of hearings to highlight local infrastructure needs.

“I am excited for Elgin to be on the statewide tour of hearings,” Castro said. “This will give local groups and organizations a chance to show us what projects are needed to enhance the job market in our community and our economy.”

Anyone who has any questions, concerns or comments are encouraged to email the senator’s office with their name and organization at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The hearing will take place on Monday, April 22^nd at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., in Elgin from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.