ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) announced that local communities will be receiving more than $4.5 million in funding to improve local walking and bicycle paths.

“With the state opening back up and the weather getting warmer, more people will be spending their time outside enjoying recreational areas across our communities,” Castro said. “This funding will allow people to enjoy our bike and pedestrian paths safely and easily.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed a measure to put an end to the demand for pets from inhumane breeding operations by requiring pet stores to source their animals from rescue shelters.

“We’ve seen too many families purchase pets from a pet shop, only to take them home and find out they have a myriad of health issues,” Castro said. “Too often, pet shops source their animals from intensive breeding facilities that treat animals like objects instead of the living, breathing creatures they are.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement after the passage of a budget for the 2022 Fiscal Year:

“As we begin to take steps to recover from this past year, I’ve made it a priority to ensure that those most impacted by the pandemic get the resources they need to get back on their feet.

“Our schools took a big hit with the abrupt switch to online learning, so $350 million in additional funding for education will provide a boost for our students and teachers. I am also glad to see money for local governments fully funded to give our communities the flexibility when it comes to addressing local needs.

“Additionally, this year’s budget sets Illinois on the path of fiscal responsibility. As we pay off our bills this year and in the future, we can put more focus and funds on programs that will continue to benefit residents of our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin), who has been a fierce advocate for government reform and established a joint commission on ethics in 2019, issued the following statement on the Senate Bill 539, a comprehensive ethics package that is on its way to the governor’s desk:

“It’s no secret that Illinois has needed reform for some time. Addressing the legislator-to-lobbyist pipeline was a top priority, and I believe this legislation will play a big part in closing the loopholes that have allowed elected officials to hold office one day and lobby the next.

“I am also pleased to see the common sense ‘No Exit’ provision included in this package. A legislator should not receive a full month’s salary for just a day or two of work.”

“I vow to continue to work on ethics reform until all members of the General Assembly and political insiders are held to the highest standards.”