Two area chambers of commerce are receiving nearly $85,000 in grant funding designed to provide additional targeted support for small businesses that have struggled to recover from the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro.

“Local chambers supported our small businesses and communities during the height of the pandemic, underscoring the need for additional funding to propel their recovery efforts,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “We worked to secure vital relief for small businesses over the last few years, and it’s great to see this grant program continuing to make a real difference in the local economy.”

State Senator Cristina Castro announced a local mental health center has been selected to participate in a federal program aimed at expanding and improving access to coordinated mental health care and substance use treatment.

“The Ecker Center provides essential services to members of our community – serving as a source of recovery and hope during challenging times,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The infusion of additional federal dollars through this competitive program will mean greater access to mental and behavioral health services for individuals and families throughout the Northwest Suburbs.”

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget on Sunday:

“Setting our state and communities up for success begins with ensuring access to a high-quality education. As a community college graduate, I am encouraged that the expansion of financial assistance will allow even more community college and university students to achieve their higher education goals without taking on debt. Further, investing in local after-school programs provided by the Elgin and Dundee Boys & Girls Clubs will give our youth safe and supportive environments and expanded learning opportunities.

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State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) supported a comprehensive plan to regulate hemp and delta-8 products in Illinois, releasing the following statement in response to the legislation passing the Senate:

“This is a major step forward in making sure Illinois remains at the forefront of the cannabis and hemp industries. By incorporating the sale of products containing delta-8 — a derivative of THC which is also psychoactive — into the existing cannabis dispensary framework, we’re providing a way for honest businesses to continue operating while ensuring these products stay out of the hands of kids who may not realize their potential effects.