Castro issues statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision

• Higher Education

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court limited how universities may consider race in admissions decisions:

“Today’s decision will undoubtedly roll back protections for minority students at higher educational institutions that they have historically been excluded from. Black and Latino students have faced such steep barriers in pursuing these opportunities that their undergraduate enrollment rates have dropped significantly between 2013 and 2019. It is in moments like this that we truly see the impact elections have on our nation’s judicial system – a court that has twice upheld affirmative action has now reversed that decision because of a handful of conservative appointees.

“I am encouraged by the commitment to equity and inclusion from the Illinois Board of Higher Education, and I will continue fighting to make sure students from all backgrounds have equitable access to higher education in Illinois.”

Castro: Sign up for health care coverage, regardless of your immigration status

• Health Care

ELGIN – To prevent eligible Illinois residents from missing health care coverage, State Senator Cristina Castro is reminding noncitizen adults who are uninsured or underinsured to sign up now. This comes in response to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ announcement that new enrollment in the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program will be paused July 1.

Read more …

Senator Castro kicks off summer small business tours

• Small Business Tours
• Small Business

ELGIN – To kick off the summer and engage in meaningful discussions with residents and businesses in the community, State Senator Cristina Castro is now accepting requests for summer small business tours from business owners in the 22^nd Senate District.

“Small businesses have overcome so many difficulties to get where they are, and this is another way for me to hear the voices and concerns of business owners in our community while getting a first-hand look into their day-to-day operations,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I encourage small business owners in the area to fill out the registration form on my website to get started.”

Interested business owners should fill out this form to submit a tour request. Tours begin in June and will run through August. Business owners can use this map to determine if the business is located in Senate District 22. Once the form has been filled out, a member of Senator Castro’s staff will follow up to discuss further details and scheduling.

Read more …

Castro launches Summer Book Club to keep students engaged

• Summer Book Club

ELGIN – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Cristina Castro is hosting a Summer Book Club to encourage students to read and continue their education during the summer vacation.

“Reading is a wonderful way to learn about people, places and things across the world,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Pick up a new book this summer and expand your horizons!”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form, and return the form to Castro’s office by Aug. 18. Every student who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Castro.

“Reading helps students continue to stay engaged during summer vacation,” Castro said. “I encourage families in the area to make reading a habit by participating in our Summer Book Club.”

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at Castro’s website. People with questions can reach out to Castro’s office at 847-214-8864.