Belt’s measure to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grants

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would allow volunteer fire departments to apply for and receive state grants through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“We have several volunteer fire departments in the Metro East that would be able to take advantage of new funding,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Right now, only city-run fire departments have access to state grants for equipment and building upgrades, this will change that.”

Senate Bill 2645 would allow the OSFM to create and award new rehabilitation and construction grants for volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois. Currently, OSFM operates the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program, which helps repair, upgrade or construct new fire stations by a unit of local government.

However, of the 40 fire departments and fire protection districts in St. Clair County, majority are volunteer departments and do not qualify for the program. Belt’s bill seeks to change this by empowering volunteer departments with new grant opportunities, potentially addressing their infrastructure and equipment needs.

Senate Bill 2645 passed the Senate Local Government Committee on Wednesday.

Belt highlights almost $1 million in funding for local apprenticeship programs

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $990,000 state grant through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program for R3 Development in East St. Louis and Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville.

“We want to make sure that people in our community have real access to the construction trades and the good-paying jobs that come with them,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The Illinois Works Program opens doors for local residents to gain the skills they need to have a successful future.”

Read more: Belt highlights almost $1 million in funding for local apprenticeship programs

Belt launches Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt’s office is collecting store-bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Join me in showing our support for our senior community by letting them know we are thinking about them on Valentine’s Day,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have done this for several years now, and it’s really a great way to brighten someone’s day.”  

Individuals are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Belt’s district offices, located at the Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building, 10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis, IL 62201 or 7 Park Place, Suite C, Swansea, IL 62226. Belt is collecting cards until Wednesday, Feb. 11 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Belt’s East St. Louis office at 618-875-1212 or Swansea office at 618-416-2452.

Belt highlights expansion of job training programs at community colleges

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is highlighting the announced $24 million in funding to expand Manufacturing Training Academies at community colleges and strengthen workforce training opportunities for high-demand manufacturing careers.

“Giving young people access to skills that translate directly into a job is exactly what we need to be focusing on in 2026,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Southwestern Illinois College is already proving how community colleges can connect students to good-paying manufacturing careers, and this expansion will help more students gain the skills employers need right here at home.”

Read more: Belt highlights expansion of job training programs at community colleges