Castro hosting Valentine’s Day card drive for local seniors
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In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors in the 22nd District, State Senator Cristina Castro is hosting a Valentine’s Day card drive and inviting residents of all ages to get involved and donate handmade or store-bought valentines for seniors this February.
“This is a great opportunity to show our seniors how much we value them and their contributions to our communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Sending a card or small note is an easy way to bring a smile to someone’s face this Valentine’s Day.”
Castro is encouraging community members in the area to write Valentine’s Day cards for local seniors – in English or Spanish – which can be dropped off or mailed to her Elgin office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to senior facilities in the 22nd District.
Castro pension consolidation law upheld by Illinois Supreme Court
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In a unanimous decision issued Friday, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of local pension fund consolidation contained in a 2019 law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro.
“This is a victory for taxpayers and first responders across Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This consolidation is already producing positive returns, underscoring the importance of addressing our state’s most pressing financial issue.”
Castro’s law – which passed under Senate Bill 1300 – enabled downstate fire and police pension funds to be consolidated into two separate funds over a 30-month period beginning in January 2020. Since the law took effect, the Firefighters’ Pension Investment Fund has added more than $40 million in value through investment returns and seen a reduction in fees and expenses of $34 million. This has led to a reduction in statutory minimum contributions, saving money for local governments and taxpayers.
Castro selected for national innovation fellowship
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WASHINGTON, DC – Future Caucus announced Wednesday that State Senator Cristina Castro was selected to be a member of the inaugural class of Innovation Fellows, taking part in the nationwide fellowship for Gen Z and millennial state legislators.
“Bringing together the next generation of leaders to learn from each other, develop effective governing skills, advance legislation and overcome partisan divisions is what strengthening our democracy is about,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’m excited to get to work solving some of the most pressing issues of our time with a diverse cohort of legislators from across the nation.”
Rooted in the understanding that polarization presents new and unique obstacles to modern policymaking, the Innovation Fellowship cultivates the next generation of national leaders with the skills to build bipartisan coalitions and pass effective legislation. Through hands-on research, interactive workshops, expert mentorship and real-world application, the group of lawmakers will enhance their ability to craft durable policy solutions that adapt to ever-changing realities.
Castro announces nearly $70,000 in library grants for local school districts
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State Senator Cristina Castro announced four local school districts are receiving nearly $70,000 in state grant funding to provide resources to libraries, including books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programming.
“Libraries open doors to invaluable new experiences, skills and perspectives for all students,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Access to high-quality, multilingual library resources begins with investments at the local level which provide a foundation to build on in the future.”
Based on a statutory formula, school districts receive $0.885 per student enrolled at each school with a qualified library. Funding for the Illinois Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program is appropriated by the Illinois General Assembly.
The following school districts serving students in Castro’s district received a total of $69,784:
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