Dear neighbor,

I hope you and your family are keeping cool and enjoying August! With the back-to-school season on the horizon, I want to wish all of our students, parents and teachers a safe and happy 2025-2026 academic year. Let’s all work together to make it another successful school year in the 22nd District.

Keep reading for local updates, upcoming events in our area and information on how to take advantage of various resources and grant opportunities.

As always, my office is prepared to assist with questions, comments or concerns and connect you with essential services and resources. Contact us by calling 847-214-8864 or visiting my website.

All the best,

Cristina Castro
State Senator | 22nd District

News from the Capitol

New law will shed light on firefighters' causes of death, help guide safety interventions.

Recognizing the heightened risk of cancer, trauma-related mental health conditions and other illnesses faced by firefighters, Illinois will begin to track and record firefighters’ causes of death under a new law I carried to the governor’s desk. This is about transparency for the families of fallen firefighters, and it’s about helping the state understand what we can do to protect first responders who put their lives on the line every day. Read more here.

In the district

Bringing in nearly $8 million for our schools

I recently announced five local school districts are set to receive nearly $8 million in evidence-based funding this year, in addition to the base funding that the state provides. This investment will help equip teachers and staff with the resources they need to set students up for lifelong success. Read more here.

Summer Book Club ends this Friday, Aug. 15

Heads up parents and students – it’s not too late to participate in my Summer Book Club! Parents or guardians can fill out the form on my website or print and mail the form to my office. Everyone who completes the book club will receive an ice cream gift card from me and my team! All forms must be submitted to my office by Friday, Aug. 15. Questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 847-214-8864.

Over $317,000 coming to local libraries.

Great news for Elgin and Streamwood families! I helped secure over $317,000 in grant funding for our local libraries for upgrades, programming, materials and more. This is more than just a grant – it’s an investment in making sure valuable resources are available to everyone in our communities. Read more on my website.

Securing $200,000 to support the arts in Elgin

By investing in creative programming through Side Street Studio Arts, we’re opening the doors to more exhibits and performances that will sustain Elgin’s economic and cultural strengths for years to come. Read more about tourism funding coming to our community on my website.

Creating a strong local economy

I’m proud to see the momentum that continues to make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family. To explore more 2025 data trends from the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.

Resources and grant opportunities

Heading back to school

Back-to-school season is here – let’s make sure safety comes first. Whether students are riding the bus, biking, walking or commuting by car, we all play a role in keeping them safe. Learn more about Back to School Safety Month.

Funding for parks development available now

The application period for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants is open! This program provides funding assistance to local government agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and open space. Projects vary from small neighborhood parks or tot lots to large community and county parks and nature areas. The deadline to apply is Tuesday, Sept. 30. Learn more about OSLAD on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ website.

Save on transit passes through the Benefit Access Program.

Illinois residents age 65 or older, or age 16 or older and living with a permanent disability, may be eligible for a discounted license plate fee or a free transit pass. These benefits are part of the Illinois Department on Aging Benefit Access Program. To learn more and apply, visit the IDoA website or call 1-800-252-8966. If you use TTY, call 1-888-206-1327.

Virtual workshop for veteran-owned businesses

Mark your calendar! The Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion is hosting a business certification and procurement workshop for veteran-owned businesses on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 1-2:30 p.m. This virtual event will provide an overview of the state’s Veterans Business Program and the state of Illinois procurement process. Find more vendor outreach events and register for the workshop here.

Applications open for Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Grant

Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship grants help connect residents to good-paying careers in the trades. Schools, nonprofits and community organizations can apply for up to $550,000 to support pre-apprenticeship training and build up our state’s world-class workforce. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 1. Click here to learn more and apply.