SPRINGFIELD – A resolution sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro that establishes March 8, 2023 as International Women’s Day in the state of Illinois passed the Senate on Wednesday.

"This is an opportunity to join Illinois with the international community and officially recognize the progress we have made together for women’s rights,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Women have contributed so much to our state and nation including serving in our armed forces, breaking barriers in the technology and innovation sectors, and fighting for equality for all people. Let us take the time to recognize and lift up those accomplishments today.”

March 8 of each year is recognized as International Women's Day by countries around the world to celebrate the past, present and future achievements of women as well as the obstacles that women continue to face in their struggle for equal rights and gender equality.

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced more than $1.6 million in state grants are coming to support projects at three local parks and forest preserves in Cook and Kane Counties.

“Funding local parks, recreation programming and forest preservation helps ensure that families and their children will have sustainable environments and places to enjoy the outdoors together for years to come,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “These grants empower our communities to highlight and preserve their natural resources and encourages all Illinoisans to get outside and enjoy these spaces.” 

Nearly $60 million in grants were awarded to 118 local parks across Illinois through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant program, administered through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This announcement includes the largest round of grants in the 36-year history of the program.

OSLAD is a cost-sharing program between state and local governments that has become one of the most popular grant programs in Illinois. Since it was established, OSLAD has awarded more than $530 million for park projects throughout Illinois. The Streamwood Park District is set to receive $467,081 and the Forest Preserve District of Kane County will see $600,000 in funds from the program this year. The Park District of Hanover Park is also set to receive $600,000 to acquire land and develop recreational activities.

Learn more about OSLAD grants and see a full list of projects on the Illinois DNR website. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement in response to the governor’s proposed budget:

“As someone who represents many schools in the second-largest school district in Illinois, I am pleased to see that the governor is proposing $350 million for evidence-based funding for our schools to ensure teachers, students with disabilities and English language learners have the support they need to succeed. Our students have endured so much over the last few years – it is time we fully invest in the high-quality education they deserve.

“Shoring up our labor force and investing in education should be top priorities. I remain committed to supporting green energy workforce initiatives that align with our state’s clean energy goals, and will continue working to make sure these programs are set up for success in this year’s budget.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to negotiate a budget that moves our economy forward and fulfills our responsibilities to the working and middle class families in our state.”

ELGIN – State Senator Cristina Castro announced Friday that she secured $300,000 in funding for Food For Greater Elgin to be used for infrastructure improvements.

“Ensuring that those who work tirelessly to combat food insecurity have the tools to do so safely and effectively is critical,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “This investment will allow Food For Greater Elgin to continue providing desperately needed services to the Kane County community.”

Food For Greater Elgin serves more than 2,665 households in Elgin, South Elgin, East Dundee and West Dundee, equating to over 23,475 individuals of whom approximately 34% are children and 20% are elderly. The organization ensures shoppers have access to fresh produce, meat, dairy, deli and shelf-stable items, among other essentials.

“We are beyond grateful to Senator Castro and the legislature for awarding us $300,000 to begin our expansion of our warehouse,” said Michael Montgomery, Executive Director at Food For Greater Elgin. “This grant will help us operate more efficiently and provide room for an array of additional services for the people whom we serve.  Senator Castro helped us and the people of the greater Elgin community in improving access to food and community services for people who are poor.”

Founded in 2011, Food For Greater Elgin is the second largest food pantry in Kane County.