ELGIN – Families who use the Child Care Assistance Program will have their child care co-pays capped to $1.25 per month in the first two months of 2021. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who has long been an advocate for working-class families, is hopeful the cap will relieve some of the burden from those who need it most.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many parents to decide between continuing to work and providing child care for their children,” Castro said. “This is a difficult choice that nobody should have to make, and my hope is that with a new cap on the co-pay under CCAP, they won’t have to.”

ELGIN – With the 2020 Holiday Season occurring during a global health pandemic, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is reminding residents to celebrate safely over the coming weeks.

“The holiday season can be just as fun and festive when done virtually,” Castro said. “I know that we all miss our families and are starving for some human contact after three seasons of quarantining, but it’s important to keep practicing safety during the next few weeks as we celebrate this holiday season.”

ELGIN – To help combat the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has been awarding a second round of Business Interruption Grants to struggling small businesses. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is pleased to announce that several local businesses were recipients.

“It is great to see many local businesses, which are the backbone of our community, receive such crucial help in a time of crisis,” Castro said. “Through no fault of their own, these businesses have been struggling, but now thanks to the BIG grants, they have a second breath of life. The pandemic has been difficult on all of us, and our businesses are no exception.”

HANOVER PARK – With flu season in full swing, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. In recognition of this, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is sponsoring a flu shot clinic in Hanover Park next month.

“Under normal circumstances, it would be a good idea to get a flu shot so that you and your loved ones can stay healthy throughout the flu season,” Castro said. “But this year, when flu season coincides with a global pandemic, the importance is even greater. We can’t let one dangerous disease let us get complacent about another, so I encourage everyone to sign up and get a flu shot.”