Castro issues statement on executive action offering new pathways to work, residency for mixed-status families

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State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement Tuesday in response to President Joe Biden’s executive order expanding protections for spouses of U.S. citizens and establishing a new pathway to work visas for certain DACA recipients:

“DACA recipients are working, raising families, buying homes, graduating with advanced degrees and transforming their communities for the better. They are drivers of the economy, they are high academic achievers, and they have grown up here. The United States is their home.

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Castro applauds grant funding awarded to local chambers of commerce

Two area chambers of commerce are receiving nearly $85,000 in grant funding designed to provide additional targeted support for small businesses that have struggled to recover from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“Local chambers supported our small businesses and communities during the height of the pandemic, underscoring the need for additional funding to propel their recovery efforts,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We worked to secure vital relief for small businesses over the last few years, and it’s great to see this grant program continuing to make a real difference in the local economy.”

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Castro announces funding for Elgin mental health clinic

State Senator Cristina Castro announced a local mental health center has been selected to participate in a federal program aimed at expanding and improving access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“The Ecker Center provides essential services to members of our community – serving as a source of recovery and hope during challenging times,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The infusion of additional federal dollars through this competitive program will mean greater access to mental and behavioral health services for individuals and families throughout the Northwest Suburbs.”

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Castro releases statement on FY 25 budget

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget on Sunday:

“Setting our state and communities up for success begins with ensuring access to a high-quality education. As a community college graduate, I am encouraged that the expansion of financial assistance will allow even more community college and university students to achieve their higher education goals without taking on debt. Further, investing in local after-school programs provided by the Elgin and Dundee Boys & Girls Clubs will give our youth safe and supportive environments and expanded learning opportunities.

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