ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) released the following statement on the sentencing of Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murdering George Floyd:

“I hope today’s sentencing brings a sense of peace to George Floyd’s family. While nothing will ever fix the loss of a loved one, I hope that knowing that the perpetrator is behind bars will bring some comfort to those who knew him.

“As we begin to move forward, I stand with many in calling for reform at the national level to ensure that tragedies like this are prevented.”

ELGIN – To encourage young people to continue learning during the summer, State Senator Christina Castro (D-Elgin) is launching a Summer Reading Club for students in and around the Elgin area.

“Summer vacation and other breaks from school can result in learning loss for students,” Castro said. “Students who continue reading during the summer are more likely to remain engaged and continue to do well in school.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books and return the form to Castro’s office by Aug. 11. Senator Castro will host a pizza party for those who finish the program.

“Reading helps students develop healthy minds,” Castro said. “This program will help them make reading into a habit and prepare them for the upcoming school year.”

Parents can visit senatorcristinacastro.com to download and print the book club form. They can also call Castro’s office at (847) 214-8864 to request a copy by mail.

Castro urges interested residents to call her office with any additional questions.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) announced that local communities will be receiving more than $4.5 million in funding to improve local walking and bicycle paths.

“With the state opening back up and the weather getting warmer, more people will be spending their time outside enjoying recreational areas across our communities,” Castro said. “This funding will allow people to enjoy our bike and pedestrian paths safely and easily.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D- Elgin) passed a measure to put an end to the demand for pets from inhumane breeding operations by requiring pet stores to source their animals from rescue shelters.

“We’ve seen too many families purchase pets from a pet shop, only to take them home and find out they have a myriad of health issues,” Castro said. “Too often, pet shops source their animals from intensive breeding facilities that treat animals like objects instead of the living, breathing creatures they are.”

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