SPRINGFIELD – Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement regarding the federal court’s ruling that the Trump administration’s repeal of DACA was unlawful:

“I applaud the decision of US District Judge John D. Bates. Clearly, the Trump administration based its decision to end DACA in shallow and bias arguments that lead Judge Bates to consider the Executive’s action unlawful.

“Not only shall DACA remain alive, but soon new applicants may benefit from this enacted program. This step forward should only be a precedent to our ultimate goal, which is to pass federal legislation that protects DACA recipients permanently.”  

SPRINGFIELD– Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is working to ensure that Illinois consumers get rebates in a fair way.

Senate Bill 3102 makes it unlawful for retailers to offer consumers a rebate made on a store-value card that charges inactivity fees or other post-issuance fees.

“If a consumer is owed money from a rebate, they shouldn’t be hindered by dormancy fees,” said Castro. “It is unlawful and unfair. Consumers shouldn’t be at risk of being charged for getting a rebate. That is their money.”

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) passed a measure today that would help provide children in foster care and under supervision of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) the opportunity to go to college.

Under Senate Bill 2846, certain youth from DCFS, after applying for FAFSA, would have the opportunity to receive a scholarship that would cover the remaining tuition and fees for any community college, university or college in Illinois.

“Kids in foster care are less likely to attend college,” said Castro. “This affects their futures, including their income levels and employment stability. I don’t want there to be barriers for these kids who are in situations that they had no control over.”

Currently, there are scholarship opportunities provided through DCFS, but the number is limited. Only 53 scholarships are provided each year and approximately 250 students apply annually.

“This measure will give kids from DCFS the tools to be successful,” said Castro. “They will then go out and contribute to our economy and make the job market stronger. Their talents and dreams shouldn’t be limited.”

Castro’s measure will allow scholarship waivers to be available to students for at least the first five years that they are enrolled as long as they make progress toward completing their degree. The youth must enroll before the age of 26 to qualify.

Senate Bill 2846 passed the Illinois Senate and will now move to the House.

SPRINGFIELD– Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) held a press conference today to acknowledge Distracted Driving Awareness Week and discuss the risks of distracted driving. She was joined by State Representative Anna Moeller, along with representatives from Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois Police Association and AAA Chicago.

“Many people think texting one quick message while driving or taking their eyes off the road for a split second to change the radio is harmless,” Castro said. “We have to get the message across that this can be life-changing.”