SPRINGFIELD – A task force aimed at examining the service-related ailments veterans often suffer will soon meet, thanks to a law sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“Our servicemen and women risk everything to protect our country, but once their service is finished and they seek treatment for conditions that arose as a result of their service, many veterans find themselves waiting months, sometimes even years, to get that treatment,” Castro said. “This is unacceptable. We owe it to the brave men and women who defended our freedom to give them the treatment they need. This task force will help identify and correct the issues that lead to delays.”

House Bill 120 creates the Veterans' Service-Related Ailments Task Force. The Task Force will consist of 11 members that will include designees from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans’ organizations, lawmakers, and a medical professional.

CHICAGO – State Senator Cristina Castro’s bill strengthening the Illinois Equal Pay Act and tackling the wage gap was signed into law today.

House Bill 834 prohibits employers from asking about salary histories when interviewing job applicants in an effort to reduce the effects of pay discrimination from past jobs.

“This new law addresses a wide range of people” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Men and women of all ages and backgrounds should have an equal chance to succeed, and that is what I will continue to fight for as a member of this General Assembly.”

Employers can currently consider salary history when making hiring decisions and salary offers. This perpetuates wage inequality, especially since women, on average, earn less than men for similar work. It has also been found that women of color earn even less than white women when compared to men.

ELGIN — State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive nearly $290,000 in state grants.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White awarded the grants through the Adult Literacy Grant Program, which helps learners develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“English as a Second Language and adult literacy classes are vital services that help people develop the language skills they need to be successful,” said Castro. “This investment from the Secretary of State will ensure that Literacy Connection and the YWCA can continue to provide these life-changing services to those who rely on them.”

The programs receiving funding in the 22nd District are:

• Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $91,346
• ESL Family Literacy (Children 2-5 Years), YWCA of Elgin: $50,000
• ESL Family Literacy (Infants and Toddlers), YWCA of Elgin: $50,000
• Lakewood Elementary Family Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $48,866
• Meadowdale Elementary Family Literacy Program, Literacy Connection: $48,866

CHICAGO –State Senator Cristina Castro’s push to allow more Illinois courts to determine whether to give an undocumented child lawful permanent residence was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

House Bill 1553 allows civil courts to determine whether a child with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) is eligible to be given lawful permanent residence. Under current law, only juvenile courts in Illinois may make this determination.

“This is about ensuring the safety of some of the most vulnerable people in our state,” said Castro, (D-Elgin). “We have an obligation to protect children regardless of their immigration status, and this law will expedite that process.”