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.

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.

As the federal government takes steps to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified public servants who administer key programs serving millions of Americans, State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to protect state-administered federal programs from future interference.

“Here in Illinois, we aren’t going to sit by while the health care and food assistance programs our neighbors rely on are hollowed out and job opportunities are eroded,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This legislation is key to making sure dedicated public servants — who serve vulnerable residents in need — aren’t left on the chopping block.”

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 programs, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and several grant programs serving people with disabilities and families with dependent children.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after the Secretary of Homeland Security held a press conference in Springfield on Latino Unity Day:

“The people who I represent care about their immigrant friends, neighbors and family members. They care about due process and they care about safe, secure neighborhoods. They deserve to live with dignity, take care of their families and contribute to their communities without worrying about being harassed by the federal government.

“Every resident in our state is entitled to due process. That’s what Illinois has stood for and will continue standing for in the face of efforts to roll back our rights. We step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state.

“The federal government may be waging a war on our values and our Constitution, but here in Illinois, we will defend our communities and the fundamental rights that make us who we are.”