ELGIN – In recognition of her outstanding commitment to fighting for Latino communities, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) was presented with the Outstanding Commitment as an Elected Official by Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs.

“It is important that we celebrate those who have paved the way before us, but we must also highlight leaders like Senator Cristina Castro who work diligently to push for diversity, protect consumers, and fight for working families in Illinois,” Frerichs said.

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the deadline to fill out the 2020 census coming to a close next Wednesday, Metro East legislators and community leaders are urging all St. Clair and Madison County residents to fill out the census to improve the low response rates.

“Filling out the census is an easy process and a 100% response rate is critical in sustaining the quality in community assets such as schools, roads and hospitals,” Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Sept. 30 is the last day to get counted and millions of dollars in federal funding is at risk if residents don’t take getting counted seriously. I strongly urge all residents to fill out the census before it’s too late.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) and Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill) will host a subject matter hearing on early childhood education funding and access to early literacy Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 12 p.m.

“Illinois children should be given the opportunity to succeed – from the day they enter preschool,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “That starts with expanding evidence-based funding to early childhood education programs.”

DANVILLE – As classrooms reopen to students and staff for the fall semester, State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) delivered 2,000 face masks to Danville and Westville School Districts.

“Our public health officials agree that masks and face coverings can significantly help reduce the spread of the virus,” Bennett said. “For that reason, schools offering face-to-face instruction are observing new health and safety protocols in the classroom, including wearing a face covering.”