Measure to allow volunteer fire departments to receive state grants passes Senate thanks to Belt

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

“This would expand grant opportunities so volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts across Illinois can access the funding they need to repair, upgrade or build their facilities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In communities like St. Clair County, where many departments are volunteer-based and currently ineligible, this measure would help ensure they have the resources to protect residents safely and effectively.”

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 on Thursday.

Belt hosts women veterans appreciation luncheon in celebration of Women’s History Month

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt will host a Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the invaluable contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

“Women veterans have played a vital role in our nation’s history, and this luncheon is a chance to celebrate their courage, dedication and achievements,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage all women veterans in the area to join us for this special event.”

The luncheon will take place Monday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southwestern Illinois College, located at 2500 Carlyle Ave. in Belleville, at the Liberal Arts Building, Room LA2311-2313. Registration is required to attend. Interested participants can RSVP by calling Belt’s Swansea office at 618-416-2452 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Suicide prevention awareness and education could be expanded under Belt’s measure

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to increase access to life-saving mental health resources and strengthen suicide prevention efforts across the state.

“This measure takes crucial steps to ensure help is always within reach for those in crisis,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will give residents additional resources they may need to stay safe and feel supported.”

Read more: Suicide prevention awareness and education could be expanded under Belt’s measure

Belt’s measure to provide relief for people who fail a vehicle emissions test

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a measure that would give drivers more flexibility when renewing their vehicle registrations while still complying with state emissions testing requirements.

“Right now, people are losing their jobs because they can’t legally drive over a failed emissions test,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “No one should be shut out of work or an opportunity because of a policy that isn’t even enforced consistently across the state.”

Read more: Belt’s measure to provide relief for people who fail a vehicle emissions test