SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois heads toward a more stable fiscal future, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is proud to support a recently unveiled plan to provide tax relief to families across the state.

“After an unprecedented two years, Illinois has remained committed to paying down the bill backlog and saving taxpayers money,” Castro said. “Now, it’s time to put money back into the pockets of families as the economy bounces back.”

The plan, Senate Bill 1150, would directly deliver refund checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

ELGIN – As Illinois continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses are receiving over $2.2 million in funding thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“The Back to Business grant program has been instrumental in keeping small businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Castro said. “From bars and restaurants to barbershops and gyms, small business owners can breathe a little easier with this financial assistance.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. In the district Castro represents, 62 businesses received grants in the latest round of funding.

SPRINGFIELD – Breast reduction surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure, but many women suffer from various health issues that would be remedied by this type of surgery. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) supported a measure to require insurance coverage for this procedure when deemed medically necessary.

“Ensuring women get the medical procedures they need to help them live their life without chronic pain is important,” said Castro, who has been a longtime advocate for women’s health. “I am proud to support this legislation to help women improve their quality of life without complicated financial strain.”

Women often require breast reductions for medical reasons, including immense neck and back pain, numbness and rashes. Because these procedures are often considered cosmetic, they are usually not covered by private insurance plans.

House Bill 4271, which Sen. Castro is a co-sponsor of, would require private insurance companies to cover breast reduction surgery when doctors deem the procedure as medically necessary.

“Oftentimes, insurers turn a blind eye to women with unique health issues,” Castro said. “This legislation will make sure Illinois women can get the health care they need to improve their well-being.”

HB 4271 passed the Senate Tuesday.  

ELGIN – Thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), Elgin Community College will receive a grant for a Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to prepare students for work as behavioral and mental health professionals.

“Our mental health and substance use recovery specialists are the backbone of our behavioral health care system,” Castro said. “Making sure our workers can get the education they need to give the best help possible to vulnerable individuals is critical.”