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Belt measure expanding grant opportunities for volunteer fire departments signed into law

SPRINGFIELD– Legislation sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt to expand grant opportunities for volunteer fire departments has been signed into law.  

“When there’s an emergency, people don’t care if the firefighter responding is full time or part time, so access to state grants should reflect that,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The law gives volunteer departments access to resources they need to maintain facilities, upgrade equipment and continue protecting our communities.”

The new law will allow the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal to create and award rehabilitation and construction grants to volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts. Currently, many volunteer departments are ineligible for state funding opportunities available through the Fire Station Construction and Rehabilitation Grant Program.

Volunteer fire departments play a critical role in providing emergency services throughout Illinois, particularly in rural and underserved communities. However, many departments operate on limited budgets and rely heavily on local fundraising efforts and community support to maintain their stations and equipment.

Read more: Belt measure expanding grant opportunities for volunteer fire departments signed into law

Belt announces funding for 57th District libraries, literacy programs

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt is proud to announce two libraries in the 57th District will be receiving over $200,000 for literacy program enhancements, workplace skills development and more.

“Reading is a wonderful gift,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Whether you had a late start or have physical limitations, these grants will go toward spreading that gift to everyone.”

The latest round of funding through the Illinois Secretary of State includes more than $28 million for library services and literacy programs throughout Illinois. The grants will enhance online catalogs at local libraries, support day-to-day operations and expand interlibrary loan programs. Funding also supports radio information services that provide local news and information to individuals who cannot read standard print materials. Literacy grants promote basic reading, math, writing and English language skills through adult, family and workplace literacy programs.

Read more: Belt announces funding for 57th District libraries, literacy programs

New Belt law helps Illinois Emergency Management Agency with economic efficiency

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt carried a law that allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to earn interest on idle funds to help offset program expenses and reduce reliance on budget appropriations.

“Just like any bank account, it is wise to not let funds sit idly by without purpose,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law allows the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to generate a modest, passive revenue without increasing fees or state taxes. This is a great move for forwarding government responsibility and efficiency.”

Senate Bill 3661 creates the Federal Aid Disaster Fund Trust that is kept separate from the state’s regular funds. The funds in the trust will be specifically used for disaster preparedness, response and recovery activities. If the money in the trust earns interest, that interest goes back into the Federal Aid Disaster Fund Trust rather than into the state’s general budget.

The measure ensures that money provided by the federal government for disaster relief is used responsibly, while also allowing unused funds to accrue interest to offset some expenses. 

Read more: New Belt law helps Illinois Emergency Management Agency with economic efficiency

New Belt law expands Certified Nursing Assistant training

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt sponsored a newly signed law that will expand the workforce pipeline to get more Certified Nursing Assistants working in the long-term care industry.

“Nursing assistants are a vital cog in our health care system,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Expanding the workforce pipeline for Certified Nursing Assistants will not only reduce the time-to-hire for trainees, but it will also provide trainees with more opportunities to learn and adapt.”

Senate Bill 3766 will allow assisted living and supportive living facilities to host supervised clinical experiences for certified nursing assistant training programs in order to expand Illinois’ long-term care workforce pipeline. The bill also requires the Health Care Worker Registry to include information identifying where an individual received clinical training.

Read more: New Belt law expands Certified Nursing Assistant training