Castro: “Budget makes smart investments in education”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed budget:

“Our universities, school districts and students have suffered enough, and I’m happy to see that the governor is making this a priority in Illinois. We need to give students confidence that our state is a great place to receive their education and ensure that it is an even better place to work and live upon graduation. This is a smart investment that will have a long-term positive impact.

“I am also excited to see that the Elgin Mental Health Center will be getting the funding they deserve. This facility was the first to offer care to Illinois inmates with serious mental illnesses and with this funding it can continue towards reducing the recidivism and overall incarceration rates of mentally ill individuals.

“This budget isn’t perfect, and it will require tough decisions. This doesn’t have to be a rushed process. We have until May 31^st to negotiate a balanced budget that will move our state forward, while also not burdening the middle class.

“I look forward to having conversations with my colleagues in the legislature to negotiate a budget that brings functionality and certainty to our state.”

Castro votes to raise minimum wage

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) voted Thursday to increase Illinois’ minimum wage to $15 by 2025, saying the legislation will ease the burden on working class families and the state.

“In the past, individuals could work 40 hours a week on the minimum wage and meet their financial responsibilities,” Castro said. “Now, that kind of income barely covers basic needs, especially those who provide for an entire family.”

Senate Bill 1 would incrementally raise the minimum wage from $8.25 per hour to $15 per hour by 2025.

“The gradual increase will allow for businesses to adapt to the new law,” Castro said. “We’re committed to making sure local economies adapt to a new wage structure that will ultimately save money for all taxpayers, as fewer working families have to rely on government services to survive.”

Senate Bill 1 passed the Illinois Senate and now awaits consideration in the House.

Castro: It’s important that immigrants know their rights and opportunities in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement today commending Gov. JB Pritzker for his commitment to immigrants, refuges and asylum seekers by expanding their access to welcoming centers.

“With the current anti-immigrant environment in our country, I am excited to see our governor take strides towards creating a more welcoming atmosphere for our state’s immigrants.”

“It is important that we inform immigrants about their rights and opportunities in Illinois and I am excited to work further with Gov. Pritzker on long-term immigration reform during this upcoming session.”

Castro: governor’s executive order provides ‘a fresh start’ for veterans’ care

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) commended Gov. JB Pritzker’s decision today to make a commitment to addressing a lingering health care crisis at the state’s veterans’ homes.

“The Legionnaires’ outbreak was a public health crisis, but the previous administration’s behind the scenes scheming, secrecy and lack of communication with the very families affected made it even worse,” Castro said. “This executive order gives us a fresh start and an opportunity to renew our commitment to providing quality care for veterans. We owe it to them and their families to ensure type of health crisis never occurs again.”

Pritzker issued an executive order today instructing the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to provide a report in the next 120 days examining the strengths and weaknesses of Illinois’ veterans’ homes and determine what efforts can be made to ensure that the brave men and women who served our country receive proper care.

The order further directs veterans’ homes to develop procedures for communicating with families to ensure that they are no longer left in the dark about the care their loved ones are receiving.

Senator Castro was named chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee this week and plans to continue working with the new administration to protect veterans.

“I look forward to collaborating with Gov. Pritzker on this issue and others facing Illinois veterans,” she said. “We need to work together to provide our country’s heroes with the treatment they deserve when their service has concluded.”