Welcome to Senator Christopher Belt's legislative website

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

Belt measure removing employment barriers for people with disabilities signed into law

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to reduce unfair barriers to employment for people living with disabilities was signed into law.

“Everyone in our state deserves the opportunity to earn a living and support their family,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Too many people are being shut out of good jobs because of requirements that have nothing to do with the work, and this measure will help change that.”

The legislation will prohibit employers and employment agencies from requiring applicants to have a valid driver’s license in job postings unless driving is an essential function of the position and is considered a business necessity.

Currently, many job descriptions continue to include driver’s license requirements regardless of whether operating a vehicle is actually necessary for the role. Advocates estimate nearly 1.85 million Illinoisans face barriers to employment because they do not possess a driver’s license, including many people with disabilities who rely on public transportation, paratransit services, rides from caregivers or family members or other accessible transportation options.

Read more: Belt measure removing employment barriers for people with disabilities signed into law