ELGIN – With strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro, $44,000 will be coming to Elgin to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to destination activities throughout Illinois.

“With more than 1,000 hotel rooms and a community that has deep cultural roots and historic treasures for all to enjoy, Elgin has so much to offer visitors and residents alike,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “As a lifelong resident, I know that the investments we make in our communities will generate benefits for years to come.”

Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, the state is matching local funds used to promote destinations, attractions and events through marketing such as promotional materials, media production costs, billboards and giveaways at trade shows. The ultimate goal of the program is to support promotional projects that increase visitation and overnight stays, thereby fueling the local economies across the state.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure, sponsored by State Representative Anna Moeller in the House, aimed at providing organizations with equal access to township assistance, regardless of the immigration status of the population they serve.

“Organizations serving the public provide critical services and programming to families, children and whole communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The perceived immigration status of an organization’s participants should never be a reason to terminate the organization’s funding that they use to provide such vital services.”

House Bill 1283 amends the Township Code to prevent a township official from denying funding to an organization based upon the perceived citizenship or immigration status of the person who would receive those funds from the organization. The bill would codify existing federal and state protections already afforded to an organization into the Township Code.

“Everyone deserves to be able to access nonprofit services without fearing that their very existence will harm the organization’s ability to receive funding,” said Castro. “People – especially those who work, live and pay taxes in Illinois – should never be turned away from local services because the township they live in decided to withhold funding from an organization that serves their family’s needs.”

House Bill 1283 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and now goes to the Senate floor for further consideration.

ELGIN–Tofostereconomicgrowthandhelp municipalities, nonprofits and promotional groups revitalize Illinois’ tourism industry,attractions in District 22will seemore than $1.3 millioningrantsthanks to the support of State Senator Cristina Castro.

Through theTourism Attractions and Festivals Grant program, Elgin, Dundee Township, Schaumburg and Hoffman Estateswill see grants tosupport a broad range of tourism-related projects that drive economic activity, including live performance venues, attractions, museums and outdoor festivals. 

“Fundingthehighlights ofour communitieshelps ensure thatvisitors, families and businesseswill benefit from this investment,”saidCastro(D-Elgin). “Fromfestivalsand zoostolakefront attractionsandevent venues,Illinois’ small businesses and attractionscan breathe a little easierknowingthisfinancial assistance will support them in drawing visitors to all corners of our state.”

ELGIN – To expand travel options, support alternate modes of transportation and enhance quality of life, State Senator Cristina Castro announced that Schaumburg and Streamwood will be receiving more than $5 million in funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements.

Through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, Schaumburg and Streamwood will see grants to support projects that include biking and walking paths, trails and streetscape beautification to encourage safe travel across various modes of transportation. 

“The Rebuild Illinois program continues to deliver for our communities through historic investments in roads and bridges, transit and rail systems, waterways, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations and more,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects as they bring Illinois to the forefront of infrastructure investment and transportation safety.”