Dear neighbor,

Summer is here! I’m looking forward to seeing our community enjoy all the season has to offer. July is Parks and Recreation Month – explore our state’s scenic parks, hidden gems and road trip routes throughout the summer at EnjoyIllinois.com.

Over the next couple of months, bills passed during the spring legislative session will be signed into law. Learn more about the initiatives I supported and what’s still to come below.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office for assistance at 847-214-8864 or SenatorCristinaCastro.com.

All the best,

State Senator Cristina Castro | 22^nd District

Legislative updates

Expanding postpartum home visiting programs

Providing support and resources for new mothers is essential. This spring I championed House Bill 4606, a law that will expand at-home care for newborns and their families. Effective July 1, 2027, this law will build on current state programs by allowing the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop a statewide home visiting program. Read more here.

Illinois Blue Envelope program

The Blue Envelope Program is a nationwide initiative designed to improve communication between law enforcement officials and drivers with autism spectrum disorder. I am proud to have led House Bill 4472, launching the program here in Illinois starting next year. Read more here.

Ashley’s Law

Now more than ever, immigrant families need support. I led House Bill 4890, Ashley’s Law, to expand the pathway to legal support for unaccompanied immigrant minors. All children, regardless of their immigration status, deserve legal protections. The law is in effect as of June. Read more here.

In the District

Women of ISP career pathway event

The Illinois State Police is hosting a career pathway event Wednesday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Georgios Banquet Hall located at 8800 W. 159th St. in Orland Park. The free event will highlight career opportunities for women state police divisions including Academy and Training, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Forensics, Justice Services, Statewide 911, Internal Investigations as well as the Office of the Director. For questions, please email ISP.Recruitment@illinois.gov.

Hanover Park Monarch Festival

Join my office at the Hanover Park Monarch Festival hosted by Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Commissioner Eira L. Corral Sepúlveda and Hanover Park Park District. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 4:30-6:30 p.m at Liberty Park, located at the corner of Longmeadow Lane and Irving Park Road in Hanover Park. This free event will include art, music, pollinator education, milkweed planting and community science opportunities in celebration of the monarch butterfly. Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to register.

Second annual senior resource fair

My office is teaming up with Gail Borden Library and Healthcare+ for our second annual senior resource fair. Join us on Friday, Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library’s Meadows Community Room located at 270 N. Grove Ave. in Elgin. There will be community resources and a dance class demonstration. Learn more here.

Join my Summer Book Club

Looking for ways to beat the heat this summer? Pick up some books at your local library! My office is hosting a Summer Book Club for kids in our community. Students who read eight books this summer and fill out the form on my website will win a prize. Click here to sign up. Submissions close on Aug. 14.

CASA Hope Echoes Charity Bike Ride

Join CASA Kane County on Aug. 30 at the Kane County Courthouse for their Hope Echoes charity bike ride. All participants will recieve a t-shirt and a water bottle upon registering. Learn more here or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Emissions testing coming to Streamwood this fall

Is your vehicle due for an emissions test? The Illinois Air Team is bringing a mobile emissions testing unit to the Streamwood community from Sept. 9-11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Poplar Creek Library, located at 1405 S. Park Ave. Testing is available for vehicles that have received an emissions test notice or a registration renewal notice indicating testing is required. Learn more here.

Well Child Center pediatric dental clinic

Well Child Center in Elgin is offering pediatric dental services to children in need. Services include but are not limited to dental exams, teeth cleaning, x-rays and fillings. Call 847-930-6721 or visit their website to learn more.

Job Listing: Elgin Township Caseworker

Elgin Township is looking to fill an open caseworker position. Duties include determining eligibility of applicants for the township’s General Assistance and Emergency Assistance Programs. Bilingual applicants are preferred. Learn more here.

Volunteers needed: CASA Kane County

CASA Kane County is looking for volunteers. Those interested can take a training class and make a true difference in a child's life. Bilingual volunteers are especially needed. Learn more here or scan the QR code on the flyer.

Resources and grant funding

Meeting new federal SNAP requirements

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements? Residents can regain eligibility and meet the new requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov for a full list of statewide resources and programs to help you meet the new requirements.

Summer meals in the 22nd District

The Summer Food Service Program is a summer meal program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture and administered by the Illinois State Board of Education. Northern Illinois Food Bank sponsors the program, serving residents in our community. Learn more about Northern Illinois Food Bank and find participating summer meal sites here. Residents with questions about summer meals can also visit WeGotYouIllinois.org or call 800-359-2163.

Stay safe in the heat this summer

July is National Extreme Heat Safety Month, and hot, humid weather is upon us. Keep these heat safety resources handy as temperatures continue to rise throughout the season:
• Know your local cooling centers
• Learn the differences between a heat watch and a heat warning
• Brush up on these heat safety tips for seniors

Volunteer food pantry grants available

For food pantries and soup kitchens seeing increased demand, charitable grants through the Illinois State Treasurer’s office are available. Eligible food pantries, soup kitchens and other Illinois nonprofits with no full-time employees can apply now through July 31 for $5,000 grants to help purchase food for those in need. Click here to learn more and apply.

Funding for local parks available now

Parks funding is here! The Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program provides grants to local governments to help them acquire and develop land for public parks and open space. Learn more and apply by Aug. 31 here.

Red Cross in need of blood donors

Red Cross recently announced a blood shortage as the nation’s blood supply declined by almost 25% in the month of June. Eligible donors can make appointments through the Red Cross Blood Donor app, by calling 800-733-2767 or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.