Illinois State Senator Cristina Castro

Castro: Budget meets the moment, uplifts students and working families

Details: Category: News; Saturday, May 31, 2025 11:29 PM

After the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget Saturday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“In Illinois, we invest in what lifts families up — good schools, job opportunities, housing, financial aid for college students and more. As a proud community college graduate and first in my family to earn a master’s degree, I know the value of investing in the higher education hubs that fuel our economy and help residents thrive.

“Our budget increases funding for universities and invests an additional $10 million in need-based financial aid through the Monetary Award Program. Together, these will help our college systems better serve and attract students while easing the burden on families across the Northwest Suburbs who are saving for their child’s future by making college more affordable.

Castro leads dual credit expansion plan

Details: Category: News; Thursday, May 29, 2025 07:51 PM

State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to expand high-quality dual credit options that will save Illinois students time and money toward their degree while they earn college credit.

“Finishing high school with college credits already completed can open the doors to a meaningful higher education experience,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By enhancing the dual credit network across Illinois’ 48 community colleges, we are putting more students – not just those who can afford college tuition – on a fast track to success.”

Dual credit instruction makes higher education more attainable, especially for first-generation and lower-income students, by offering high school students the opportunity to earn both college and high school credit through a single course. Students who earn dual credit in high school complete their college and university degrees at higher rates and are often able to save money as a result of having fewer college credits to pay tuition for.

Castro secures $4.5 million for infrastructure projects in Elgin, Streamwood

Details: Category: News; Tuesday, May 27, 2025 09:09 AM

Thanks to State Senator Cristina Castro’s advocacy efforts, Elgin and Streamwood are set to receive over $4.5 million in combined grants to fund infrastructure projects that enhance mobility across the 22^nd District. The grants were awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Dollars we continue to put toward Illinois’ infrastructure are revitalizing aging roads and bridges, creating jobs and growing the economy by increasing mobility across the Northwest Suburbs,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Getting much-needed improvement projects over the finish line is a win and will benefit our communities for years to come.”

Castro secured $3 million for the construction of a new Fox River Bike Trail underpass as part of Elgin’s Kimball Street Bridge project. Once completed, the bridge’s underpass will enhance accessibility and usability of the Fox River Trail. Currently, cyclists have to exit the trail, cross the river at Kimball Street and North Grove Avenue, and then reenter the trail.

Castro stands up to federal interference, protects Illinois public employees

Details: Category: News; Friday, May 23, 2025 01:46 PM

State Senator Cristina Castro is championing legislation to protect state-administered federal programs from future federal interference amid moves from the federal government to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified civil servants who oversee programs like Medicaid, SNAP and disaster aid, affecting millions of Americans each day.

“People in Illinois benefit from effective government services because the employees who administer these programs are hired based on their merit and qualifications — not based on loyalty,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Upholding merit-based standards for key programs like Medicaid will make sure Illinois continues serving residents with competence and compassion.”

Federal merit systems — standards that states must adhere to for employees who administer specific grant programs — have been in place since the passage of the Civil Service Act in 1883. These standards are meant to ensure the individuals responsible for federal dollars are highly qualified, treated fairly, safeguarded from discrimination, compensated adequately and protected from partisan coercion. Programs currently covered by federal merit requirements include Medicaid, aging services, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and several grant programs serving people with disabilities and families with dependent children.

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