ELGIN – With all regions of Illinois entering Phase 3 of the governor’s Restore Illinois plan Friday, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging residents to support area bars and restaurants by dining locally.

“Like many of us, our favorite local bars and restaurants have been struggling in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic,” Castro said. “With outdoor dining now available, it’s even easier to show your support and help these community businesses keep their doors open, lights on and staff paid.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) issued the following statement after the Illinois Senate passed a budget, which Castro supported:

“Now more than ever, it’s important that we create some kind of stability in a time of such uncertainty. This budget maintains education funding at all levels, keeps our obligation to make the full pension payment, and, most importantly, provides real relief and support to struggling families in our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro and her colleagues in the Illinois Senate passed a bill Thursday that contained protections for first responders who are affected by COVID-19 as a result of their duties.

“Now more than ever, the first responders and front-line workers who are risking their lives to keep us safe during a pandemic deserve our undying thanks and gratitude,” Castro said. “The very least we can do as a legislature is provide these brave men and women with protections since they are risking their lives every single day.”

ELGIN – The week of April 20 to April 24, 2020, has been designated National Work Zone Awareness Week by the U.S. Department of Transportation. State Senator Cristina Castro, who has championed several pieces of legislation aimed at safer driving, stressed the importance of safety in road construction areas, particularly in a time of a pandemic.

“A lot fewer people are out on the roads during the Stay at Home Order, which can lead to an increase in dangerous driving habits,” Castro said. “Less traffic might cause people to not slow down while passing through work zones, which is dangerous to the workers and to other drivers.”