State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement on Tuesday’s decision to convict Derek Chauvin on the three charges brought against him for the death of George Floyd:

“While nothing will ever make up for the torture George Floyd experienced in the final minutes of his life and the loss his family will live with forever, I’m relieved that our court system worked the way it should today.

“Time and again, we see Black and Brown people harmed by the criminal justice system. Real reform is past due, and I’m hoping the outcome of this trial will be a step forward in providing accountability and preventing more tragedies like this in the future.”

 State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement in response to the release of body camera footage of the death of 13-year-old Adam Toledo, who was shot and killed by police in Chicago on March 29:

“My heart breaks for the family of Adam Toledo, and my condolences go out to all who knew and loved him.

“We have seen this tragedy play out over and over again in this country, and it never gets easier. This is a system that needs to be reformed through better training, higher standards and more accountability.

“We also need to build communities that give families like Adam’s more opportunities to succeed. Black and Brown communities are so often left behind when it comes to educational and economic opportunities.

“This is a heartbreaking and preventable situation. As we look toward reform, we need to make sure that Black and Brown communities have their voices heard to help prevent any more tragic situations like this one.”

La Senadora estatal Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) dio a conocer la siguiente declaración acerca del video de la cámara corporal portada por un oficial de la Policía sobre la muerte de Adam Toledo de 13 años, quien fue baleado por un oficial en Chicago el 29 de marzo.

“Tengo el corazón roto por la familia de Adam Toledo, envío mis condolencias a todos aquellos que lo conocieron y que lo amaron.

“Hemos visto esta tragedia una y otra vez en este país, y siempre es difícil. Tenemos un sistema que debe ser reformado dando un mejor entrenamiento, manteniendo estándares más altos y con más rendición de cuentas.

“También necesitamos construir mejores comunidades que otorguen a familias como las de Adam más oportunidades para tener éxito. Las comunidades afroamericana y latina frecuentemente se quedan rezagadas en cuanto a las oportunidades educativas y económicas.

“Esta es una situación que nos rompe el corazón y que se pudo prevenir. Al tiempo que nos enfocamos en hacer reformas, debemos garantizar que las voces de las comunidades afroamericana y latina son escuchadas para prevenir situaciones trágicas como esta.”

SPRINGFIELD – To help promote the preservation of historic properties throughout the state, State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) has introduced a measure to encourage people who own historic structures to preserve and rehabilitate their properties.

“Historic buildings can teach us about our past while being utilized for our future,” Castro said. “Through rehabilitating and revitalizing these buildings, property owners can bring jobs, housing and businesses to their community while keeping its historical roots.” 

ELGIN – After months of work to extend health care access to more Illinoisans, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are celebrating the extension of Medicaid coverage for new mothers from 60 days to 12 months postpartum. Illinois is the first state in the nation to extend coverage to ensure low-income mothers receive the support they need in the critical months following birth.

“We know that a significant share of pregnancy-associated deaths are preventable, and in 2021, mothers should absolutely not be dying from preventable causes after they give birth,” said State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who sits on the Senate Committee on Healthcare Access and Availability. “Extending Medicaid benefits to mothers for 12 months postpartum is a critical step toward reducing the maternal morbidity and mortality rate.”

The extension comes following the approval of Illinois’ 1115 waiver from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Women with incomes up to 208% of the federal poverty level will now have continuous Medicaid eligibility through 12 months postpartum, a significant increase in coverage from the standard 60-day postpartum period.