ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro celebrated the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity’s announcement Friday of an all-new, $40 million annual grant program under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that will provide funding to communities undergoing a significant energy transition.

“Passing CEJA was a massive undertaking and the opening of the Energy Transition Community Grant Program is just the beginning,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “CEJA isn't just about lowering emissions, it is also about economic development, workforce training and building a better future for all Illinois communities.”

Under CEJA, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will invest $40 million per year for the Energy Transition Community Grant Program that will help communities transitioning away from coal mines and fossil fuel plants and prepare the state’s workforce for the jobs of the future.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro voted for a bill Thursday that would clarify language in portions of the Pretrial Fairness Act and ensure a smooth transition to implementing the law.

“These historic reforms are a result of collaboration between a diverse group of advocates, law enforcement, states attorneys, victims’ rights organizations and other stakeholders,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Today, along with my colleagues in the Senate, we voted to preserve and reaffirm the Pretrial Fairness Act’s commitment to improving equity, safety and justice in our state’s criminal legal system.”

A joint effort, the bill provides clarification to common misconceptions spread about the Pretrial Fairness Act portions of the SAFE-T Act since its passage in January 2021. In recent months, a smear campaign against the law overwhelmed social media and headlines of fake newspapers, leaving many Illinoisans confused about what the law actually does.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro urges area residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

"Today we commemorate our state’s brave first responders,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Although it is crucial to recognize and honor their commitment every day, First Responders Day is dedicated as a small way to bring attention to and celebrate the courage and strength of these extraordinary heroes in our communities.”

First Responders Day is dedicated to remembering the first responders lost and honors 911 dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their continuous commitment to Illinois public safety.

Castro reminds residents to extend gratitude to all first responders year-round for their dedication and to honor those lost in the line of duty.

“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect,” said Castro. “To all first responders who sacrifice so much for the safety of our friends, families and communities – thank you.”

Castro urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with appreciation, ceremonies and activities.

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ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro is encouraging homeowners who had trouble making mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of an upcoming mortgage assistance program that will open for applications on Tuesday, Nov. 1.

“This program will provide crucial security to homeowners in Illinois who have struggled during the pandemic,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Families should not face foreclosure and homelessness due to their inability to make all mortgage payments in full while a global pandemic was devastating the economy and our communities.”

The Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund, administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, will provide up to $60,000 in mortgage assistance to eligible homeowners — paid directly to the servicer, taxing body or other approved entity — while homeowners work to regain their financial footing. Whether homeowners have a mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or are mortgage-free, the program can fund past due housing payments and up to three months of prospective mortgage payments.