As the federal government takes steps to dismantle agencies and lay off qualified public servants who administer key programs serving millions of Americans, State Senator Cristina Castro is moving forward with a plan to protect state-administered federal programs from future interference.

“Here in Illinois, we aren’t going to sit by while the health care and food assistance programs our neighbors rely on are hollowed out and job opportunities are eroded,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This legislation is key to making sure dedicated public servants — who serve vulnerable residents in need — aren’t left on the chopping block.”

Federal merit systems — standards that states must adhere to for employees who administer specific grant programs — have been in place since the passage of the Civil Service Act in 1883. These standards are meant to ensure the individuals responsible for federal dollars are highly qualified, treated fairly, safeguarded from discrimination, compensated adequately and protected from partisan coercion. Programs currently covered by federal merit requirements include Medicaid, aging programs, unemployment insurance, SNAP, foster care and adoption assistance, and several grant programs serving people with disabilities and families with dependent children.

State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement after the Secretary of Homeland Security held a press conference in Springfield on Latino Unity Day:

“The people who I represent care about their immigrant friends, neighbors and family members. They care about due process and they care about safe, secure neighborhoods. They deserve to live with dignity, take care of their families and contribute to their communities without worrying about being harassed by the federal government.

“Every resident in our state is entitled to due process. That’s what Illinois has stood for and will continue standing for in the face of efforts to roll back our rights. We step up for those in need and live out our values as a welcoming state.

“The federal government may be waging a war on our values and our Constitution, but here in Illinois, we will defend our communities and the fundamental rights that make us who we are.”

State Senator Cristina Castro secured more than $28,000 in grant funding to provide resources for public school libraries across the 22^nd District.

“Creative, innovative and collaborative library programs help bring stories to life and meaning to our students’ education,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Additional funding will strengthen these essential avenues to learning and equip U-46’s school libraries with the resources our students need to be successful in the 21^st century.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs. In the district Castro represents, School District U-46 received a total of $28,979 to support over 40 school libraries.

Terminally ill adults are one step closer to having access to more end-of-life options in Illinois after a measure supported by State Senator Cristina Castro passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

“At the end of our lives, all of us want options,” said Castro (D-Elgin), a co-sponsor of the legislation. “Medical aid in dying has been implemented in other states like Oregon for over 30 years. Armed with this data and after hearing from family members and terminally ill residents with firsthand experience, I believe expanding this access in Illinois would align with our goals of making sure patients have every safe option available to them.”