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State Senator Cristina Castro led a new law strengthening Illinois’ anti-retaliation protections for workers who raise the alarm about issues like fraud, intimidation and workplace safety.

“Employees should be empowered to stand up and speak out about fraud, abuse, criminality and exploitation in the workplace – not intimidated into silence,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “I’ve fought tooth and nail against unethical practices like wage theft, and expanding protections from retaliation is one more important step in safeguarding the rights of all workers in our state.”

House Bill 5561 enhances workplace whistleblower protections by expanding what is considered protected activity, granting broader remedies to affected employees, and giving the Illinois Attorney General the ability to act on behalf of workers whose employers have retaliated against them for disclosing a dangerous or unlawful practice, including public health threats. The law broadens the definition of retaliation to include blacklisting an employee from future opportunities.

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Reproductive care and treatment remain legal, protected and accessible in Illinois

Standing strong on the issue of safeguarding women’s health, State Senator Cristina Castro championed the effort to expand access to fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization through a measure signed into law Friday.

“Infertility affects millions of Americans, leaving thousands of hopeful parents in Illinois and across the United States unable to have a child on their own,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The possibility of starting a family through advanced treatments like IVF represents hope for so many of these individuals – and this law takes steps to protect and expand access for the thousands who rely on it.”

To address cost barriers that limit access to treatments like IVF for families across the state, the new law requires every group health insurance policy to cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility starting Jan. 1, 2026. It also adds coverage for an annual menopause health visit for those age 45 and older.

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State Senator Cristina Castro is partnering with State Representative Fred Crespo, KCT Credit Union and the Streamwood Park District to host a free community shred day in Streamwood on Saturday, Aug. 10.

“This event will provide a safe and convenient way for residents to not only fight clutter, but also safeguard their personal information from fraud and identity theft,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Attendees can also use this opportunity to donate food and personal care products to the Hanover Township Food Pantry and benefit others in our community.”

Shredding trucks will be available at the Hoosier Grove Barn, located at 700 W. Irving Park Road in Streamwood, on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 9-11 a.m. or until the trucks are full. Attendees will be able to freely and securely dispose of any confidential or personal documents, such as bank statements, canceled checks, outdated medical records, paid bills, receipts and junk mail. Only paper materials will be accepted for shredding.

Elgin is set to receive over $11 million in zero-interest loans to replace over 800 lead pipes in the community and ensure a cleaner, safer water supply, State Senator Cristina Castro announced Tuesday.

“Thanks to our advocacy, we are making sure Elgin gets its fair share of federal dollars for replacing lead pipes,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “With this funding, over 800 families will upgrade to stronger, safer infrastructure they can count on to bring clean water into their households.”

During the last quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency awarded over $32 million in zero-interest loans to six Illinois communities to fund the replacement of lead service lines. Many homes built prior to 1990 have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures and faucets that contain lead. Because lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water when pipes and fixtures corrode, eliminating lead service lines in homes helps to reduce lead exposure for residents, particularly children.