Senator Castro

Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a moment on the calendar — it's a daily testament to our resilience, strength & ambition. It’s about advocacy, amplifying unheard voices & carving paths where none exist. Estamos con ustedes, hoy, mañana y siempre. youtube.com/watch?v=bVb-Io…

Today is Latina Heritage Day, and we’re spotlighting a true trailblazer from our district: Melissa Barbosa-Guzman. From Elgin, she’s an attorney and ECC Trustee who’s spent 30+ years volunteering and raising scholarships for undocumented, mixed-status and DACA students.

“Oversight from a distance is not the best way to promote a high-quality, comprehensive education for charter school students,” said Castro (D-Elgin). Read more: tinyurl.com/45wdjrsv

Developers & housing partners: help shape Illinois’ 2027–28 QAP. Join IHDA’s hybrid QAP Summits: ▪️ Mar 11, Springfield, 10 a.m. ▪️ Mar 20, Chicago, 1 p.m. Share your input through our survey (open thru Mar 31). More info: ihda.org/developers/202…

Happy International Women’s Day! Celebrating the strength and achievements of women everywhere.

Daylight Saving Time shifts clocks forward one hour to extend evening daylight. Take time to check your smoke detectors while you move your clocks ahead!

Episode 17 of Estado del Estado — In episode 17, we take you inside budget week in Springfield, featuring reaction from the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus, an interview with Cristina Castro on the governor’s proposal and more! Listen here now: tinyurl.com/2hhrenc9

Wearing red to stand up for women’s heart health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for women, yet less than 50% of women recognize the true threat of this disease to their health. Check here to learn more: goredforwomen.org

“This law sends a clear message that Illinois will not waver in its commitment to safeguard the pocketbooks of our hardworking residents, and it will deliver the largest relief for Main Street businesses in decades.” Read more: tinyurl.com/4npmnumh

Read my full statement on the governor's budget address here: tinyurl.com/2bd3nj75 - Lee aquí mi declaración completa sobre el discurso presupuestario del gobernador: tinyurl.com/2nkaymew

Need to renew your license or apply for a REAL ID? We’re bringing the Mobile DMV to our community! Join us on March 27th at Popular Creek Public Library for convenient, local access to essential DMV services. Tenemos informacion en español disponible en esta publicación.

📷 SNAP rules changed on February 1. Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients are considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP 📷 Find the latest SNAP updates anytime at: snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov

Thank you to NAHREP for hosting me and Cervantes in a panel, creating a productive conversation on how we can continue to strengthen Illinois’ economy while centering our approach on supporting our working families during this upcoming legislative session.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor survivors, mourn victims, and commit ourselves to fighting antisemitism and hatred in all forms.

Extreme cold causes thousands of cold-related injuries each year. Illinois residents can find safe, accessible warming centers at KeepWarm.Illinois.Gov.

Today we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of justice, equality, and hope. May we strive daily to carry his work forward.

On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, we honor the dedication, courage, and commitment of those who protect our neighborhoods.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable with early detection. This month, encourage loved ones to schedule their screenings and learn the signs. Learn more: cdc.gov/cancer/cervica…

Extreme cold causes thousands of cold-related injuries each year. Illinois residents can find safe, accessible warming centers: keepwarm.illinois.gov

Wishing you good health and a bright start to 2026. May we all find strength and purpose in the year ahead! - ¡Te deseo buena salud y un gran comienzo para 2026! ¡Que todos encontremos fuerza y propósito en el año que viene!

Wishing a joyful and peaceful merry Christmas to all who celebrate! - ¡Deseando una feliz y tranquila Navidad a todos los que la celebran!