ELGIN – To help residents obtain tests for COVID-19, State Senator Cristina Castro is partnering with several other government officials and agencies to host a mobile testing site this weekend in Carpentersville.

“Getting tested for COVID-19 remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread, since those who test positive know that they should quarantine to avoid exposing others to the virus,” Castro said. “The testing site we’re sponsoring is open to anyone, and I encourage everyone to stop by and get a test.”

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.

ELGIN – To help small businesses deal with undue economic burden caused by COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Development has begun accepting applications for a second round of Business Interruption Grants. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is encouraging local businesses who are struggling financially as a result of the pandemic to apply.

“The past several months have been hard on all of us, and despite shutdown restrictions being eased, many small businesses are having difficulty paying their staff and keeping their doors open and lights on,” Castro said. “Since small businesses are the backbone of our community, I am encouraging businesses owners to apply for the Business Interruption Grants to help ease some of the pressure they’re under due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The grants are the second in a series of $636 million in funding for struggling small businesses. Nearly $220 million will be awarded, with a particular focus on downstate businesses, businesses in disproportionately affected areas, and businesses in industries and regions that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Businesses outside of these areas are still eligible to apply, but their applications may be reviewed later.

“These grants will help keep people from losing the jobs they’ve worked hard to obtain and shutting down the businesses they’ve worked hard to establish,” Castro said.

Businesses will be informed of a decision regarding their application within four to six weeks of its submission. More information, including eligibility information, can be found on DCEO’s website.

ELGIN – With the Sept. 30 conclusion of the 2020 Census looming, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is urging local residents to complete their household surveys in order to produce the most accurate count possible.

“The response rate data we have is a good sign, but there is always room for improvement,” Castro said. “With the 2020 Census cut short by a full month, the next few weeks will be crucial to ensuring that our communities get the full amount of funding and representation to which they are entitled, which the census determines.”

According to the official census website, as of Sept. 10 the response rates for cities in the area are:

• Barrington Hills – 70.9%
• Bartlett – 85.5%
• Carpentersville – 75.6%
• East Dundee – 81.4%
• Elgin – 72.8%
• Hanover Park – 76.9%
• Hoffman Estates – 81.0%
• Schaumburg – 79.3%
• South Elgin – 80.3%
• Streamwood – 82.1%

“These numbers are encouraging, but we should continue to keep working until they’re all at 100,” Castro said.

The census can be completed online, by phone or by mail.

ELGIN – Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled eight principles for a clean and renewable Illinois economy Friday. State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), who is the Senate sponsor of the long-awaited Clean Energy Jobs Act, released the following statement:

“Up until now, utility companies have driven the conversation on energy. I am thrilled to see that is no longer the case. This shows a clear indication that the people who will lead the charge toward clean, renewable energy and jobs will be those who truly believe in it, and not those who stand to benefit from slowing down the process. I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to develop and implement the crucial Clean Energy Jobs Act.”

ELGIN – A measure supported by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) meant to expand protections for essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday.

“Essential workers literally kept our world up and running during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, so the very least we can do is expand their protections to ensure they stay safe for the duration of this crisis and for any similar future crises,” Castro said. “They perform necessary jobs, often with little thanks, so it’s about time we give back to them.”

The package, Senate Bill 471, was passed by the General Assembly in May and contained three provisions:

• Expanded disability protections for firefighters, paramedics, law enforcement officers and other public workers who contract COVID-19 during the line of duty;
• Enhanced criminal penalties to protect retail workers who are performing duties such as relaying information or enforcing safety guidelines during a state of emergency; and
• Expanded collective bargaining rights for workers at horse racetracks with 10 or more employees.

The law is effective immediately.