ELGIN – Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Cristina Castro, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of $64.3 million in road and bridge improvement projects across the 22^nd District.

“The Rebuild Illinois plan is making transformative upgrades to our infrastructure that will set us up for long-term success,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Not only do these projects enhance travel for residents, they also boost the economy and create good-paying construction jobs across the state.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Castro represents will see 20 infrastructure projects totaling $64,317,000 over the next six years.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“From Schaumburg to Carpentersville, these investments will upgrade transportation in every corner of the 22^nd District,” Castro said. “Economic development is driven by the quality and availability of local jobs, infrastructure and transportation. This plan fuels all three – setting our economy up for the future.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 22^nd Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – Employees working on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits from the state of Illinois will be paid the prevailing wage under a new law spearheaded by State Senator Cristina Castro.

“During my time in the Senate, I have been an outspoken advocate for fair wages and wage equality in Illinois,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Supporting fair wages for employees working on solar projects ensures workers – not just developers – benefit from clean energy incentives and opportunities.”

Under the new law, developers who apply to the Illinois Solar for All program are required to pay the prevailing wage on solar projects that receive renewable energy credits. The law provides exemptions for residential buildings and small projects on houses of worship.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a legislative package from the Senate to help improve the procurement process in state contracts and provide pivotal economic opportunities and flexibilities to minority-owned businesses, universities, subcontractors, local governments and more.

“While minority- and women-owned businesses continue to face barriers to conducting business with the state, the demand for infrastructure and energy projects continues to boom, creating many more opportunities. This measure will make sure these critical economic opportunities are extended to those who have historically been shut out of the commerce process,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Through these changes, we continue our work to cut red tape and make Illinois’ business environment more equitable and efficient.”

The measure makes a number of changes to improve state contracts for veterans, women, people with disabilities and minorities, streamline the procurement process, and allow additional flexibility for universities, small businesses and contractors.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro is spearheading a measure that would cut down on referrals to out-of-network providers and give vision care patients more freedom and flexibility to choose where to receive vision care services.

“I have heard time and again the hoops people have to jump through to get affordable vision care and eyeglasses,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Removing barriers and increasing transparency for vision care patients will help make sure that they can access in-network providers without being charged extraneous fees set by their vision plan.”

Senate Bill 764 would prohibit vision care plans from requiring a vision care provider to, as a condition of their participation, provide services at a fee set by the vision care plan, unless the services are in-network and covered under the plan. The bill also requires vision care providers to disclose any business interests they have with an out-of-network source or supplier they recommended to a patient. Upon the patient’s request, vision care providers would be required to offer in-network sources instead.

A 2017 study published in the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that vision impairments, loss or blindness can cost a person an average of $16,838 annually. That total does not include routine vision and eye care exams or care for a condition that is not associated with vision loss.

Senate Bill 764 passed the Senate Thursday.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure through the Senate that would expand prevailing wage requirements to include public works solar projects.

“The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and Future Energy Jobs Act gave Illinois the chance to become a leader in green energy, and we are seeing renewable developers step up to make that happen,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “It is critical to ensure workers at these important projects are paid fairly as they work to build a more reliable future for our children and grandchildren.”

ELGIN – With strong support from State Senator Cristina Castro, $44,000 will be coming to Elgin to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to destination activities throughout Illinois.

“With more than 1,000 hotel rooms and a community that has deep cultural roots and historic treasures for all to enjoy, Elgin has so much to offer visitors and residents alike,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “As a lifelong resident, I know that the investments we make in our communities will generate benefits for years to come.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure, sponsored by State Representative Anna Moeller in the House, aimed at providing organizations with equal access to township assistance, regardless of the immigration status of the population they serve.

“Organizations serving the public provide critical services and programming to families, children and whole communities,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “The perceived immigration status of an organization’s participants should never be a reason to terminate the organization’s funding that they use to provide such vital services.”

House Bill 1283 amends the Township Code to prevent a township official from denying funding to an organization based upon the perceived citizenship or immigration status of the person who would receive those funds from the organization. The bill would codify existing federal and state protections already afforded to an organization into the Township Code.

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.