New Castro law creates additional protections for nurses

ELGIN – Starting Jan. 1, 2019, nurses will now be protected under the Healthcare Violence Prevention Act thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s new law.

“Health care providers devote their lives to helping their patients,” Castro said (D-Elgin). “Now it is time that we help them. Nurses deserve to go to work and feel safe.”

The new law creates the Healthcare Violence Prevention Act to protect health care providers, puts in place a violence prevention program and adds whistleblower protections for nurses who report violence to law enforcement.

Castro introduced the legislation in response to an incident that occurred in Kane County on May 13, 2017, at Delanor Hospital. Two nurses were taken hostage by an inmate undergoing treatment who managed to obtain a handgun.

“The incident that happened in my home county at Delanor Hospital was both alarming and upsetting,” Castro said. “These nurses went to work that day to do their jobs and help their patients, but instead they were assaulted. That’s why I brought forth this legislation. Our nurses deserve to be protected.”

House Bill 4100 passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support.   

Enroll in a health care plan today!

With the new year approaching, I wanted to remind you that the health insurance marketplace is currently open for enrollment though Dec. 15.

There will be certified Enrollment Navigators available in person this Saturday, Dec. 15 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Spring Wood Middle School, located at 5540 Arlington Dr. in Hanover Park. AMITA Health will also be in attendance and will be offering blood pressure and stroke risk screenings.

To enroll, re-enroll or shop for a health care plan that is right for you, visit www.healthcare.gov or go to www.getcovered.illinois.gov to get coverage. Financial help may be available for those who qualify. The last day to enroll is Dec. 15, so don't wait until it is too late.

Castro to help new governor create jobs

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) was named to governor-elect JB Pritzker’s Job Creation & Economic Opportunity committee today at the 1871, which is a non-profit small business incubator that has created over 7,000 jobs.

Castro currently sits on the Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee and is excited to lend her expertise and practical experience to the new administration.

“Our state’s economy is vulnerable right now. We need to prioritize economic growth and job creation so people can feel confident in the future and make Illinois their home,” Castro said. “I am excited to be a part of this vital committee and I can’t wait to get started.”

The 37-member committee will have its first meeting one week from today where members will focus on opportunities across the state, diversity and ensuring small businesses have the tools to grow and thrive.

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Castro: “President Trump cannot singlehandedly change the Constitution to exercise his will”

• Immigration
• Federal

ELGIN— State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is tired of President Donald Trump’s unconstitutional ploys. This week, Trump announced his plans to end birthright citizenship for babies born to noncitizens changing a Constitutional right that was established by the nation’s founding fathers.

“Once again, President Trump is abusing his office to attract support from right wing extremists,” Castro said. “We need to work together as a society to embrace the contributions diversity brings to our nation, state and society instead of pitting people against each other. Plain and simple, the president’s actions are illegal.”   

Trump is attempting to make changes to the fourteenth amendment which was adopted on July 9, 1868 as one of the Reconstruction Amendments to address citizenship rights and equal protections of the law.  U.S. Presidents cannot change the Constitution by issuing an executive order.

“Despite his complete and utter ignorance, President Trump cannot singlehandedly change the Constitution to exercise his will,” Castro said. “In times like this we need to come together as a community and spread kindness and generosity whenever possible.”