SPRINGFIELD — 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 ushered in a new law protecting state-administered federal programs from future interference.

“The days of politically-motivated hiring and partisan handouts of government jobs are over — and this law makes certain it stays that way,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Essential programs like Medicaid and SNAP are successful because the employees who administer them are hired based on merit, not their loyalty to the president.”

SPRINGFIELD — Recognizing the heightened risk of cancer, trauma-related mental health conditions and other illnesses faced by firefighters, Illinois will begin to track and record firefighters’ causes of death under a new law led by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“This is about transparency for the families of fallen firefighters, and it’s about helping the state understand what we can do better to protect the first responders who put their lives on the line every day,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Whether a tragedy happens from injuries in the line of duty or from the lasting effects of firefighting over time, this data will shed light on where current gaps exist so we can intervene.”

State Senator Cristina Castro is urging community organizations, educational institutions and industry groups to apply for grants from the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program to enhance workforce training and economic growth in Illinois communities.

“I’m thrilled to see the continued success of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The funding provided through this program is critical to increasing career opportunities for Illinoisans and building up our state’s world-class workforce.”

This latest round of funding provides $25 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs that aim to increase diversity and create pathways for underrepresented groups in the construction industry, including women, veterans and people of color. The program offers comprehensive, tuition-free training and certifications, along with supportive services to help individuals gain entry to apprenticeships and ultimately secure stable, well-paying careers.

State Senator Cristina Castro secured $200,000 to sustain and enhance local arts programming across the Northwest Suburbs.

“Side Street Studio Arts is reimagining how inclusivity and art can come together to enhance our downtown area,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “By investing in creative programming, enhanced venues and arts organizations, we’re opening the doors to more exhibits and performances that will sustain Elgin’s economic and cultural strengths now and into the future.”

The funding was awarded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Tourism Attractions Grant Program. Created to boost the state’s tourism economy, the program awarded over $1.6 million to 11 grantees in the latest round of funding for projects that will enhance local attractions, increase visitor rates and generate economic growth in communities across Illinois.