ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro is urging federal lawmakers to find a resolution to the ongoing government shutdown to prevent the cessation of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, come Nov. 1. Nearly two million Illinois residents rely on SNAP to provide basic nutrition for themselves and their families.

“Residents from all walks of life will be affected with cuts to a vital lifeline such as SNAP,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “In times like these, our community must band together to ensure our kids don’t go to bed hungry.”

SNAP provides critical support for children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities, offering the nutrition they need to live healthy, productive lives. The federal government shutdown threatens to halt these benefits immediately, putting millions at risk of food insecurity – including the 27,313 people in the district Castro represents who rely on SNAP benefits.

Castro stresses that a long-term solution requires immediate federal intervention.

"We cannot reduce our families to numbers on a chart," said Castro. "The federal government has a moral duty to act swiftly and decisively to protect the most vulnerable among us."

Castro is coordinating with state officials and community organizations to prepare for potential disruptions and to ensure vulnerable populations have access to emergency food assistance.

Local residents in need of food assistance can access help at food pantries in the 22^nd District, including:

• Food for Greater Elgin
• Hanover Township Food Pantry
• D300 Food Pantry
• Elgin Community College Food Pantry

For more information and help accessing food assistance, residents can call Castro’s office at 847-214-8864. 

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a measure through the Senate that would make a temporary “cocktails to-go” state law permanent and create new rules to allow more small Illinois distilleries to self-distribute spirits.

“By giving bars, restaurants and craft distilleries the ability to grow and reach more customers, we’re supporting small, independent producers and retailers across Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We should be making it easier, not harder, to operate and grow a business in our state.”

The measure would create a class 3 craft distiller’s license, which would allow the distillery to manufacture up to 100,000 gallons of spirits annually. These licensees would then be able to apply for the ability to self-distribute up to 2,500 gallons annually.

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As flu season approaches, State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging residents to protect themselves by getting their annual flu shot at two upcoming events in Elgin and Bartlett.

“Getting an annual flu shot can help keep you and your family safe as we head into flu season,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’m glad my office is able to provide these convenient opportunities for residents to get a flu vaccine and protect themselves from illness this fall and winter.”

Castro is partnering with Ascension Illinois, Elgin Township and Hanover Township to offer two upcoming opportunities for residents age 18 and older to receive the flu shot:

• Saturday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Elgin Township Building, 729 S. McLean Blvd., Elgin
• Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 S. Route 59, Bartlett

For more information, contact Castro’s office at 847-214-8864 or visit SenatorCristinaCastro.com.

State Senator Cristina Castro secured over $12 million for construction and road improvement projects in Elgin, Carpentersville, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and Barrington Hills as part of the largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history.

“These local projects will not only improve the quality of life in Illinois — they are also critically needed for the safety of our infrastructure,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I am grateful that, because of this Rebuild Illinois funding, the city of Elgin will be replacing the Kimball Street Bridge, which is a vital artery in our downtown in need of improvement.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Multi-Year Program will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The new projects are both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.