Belt: Student safety is a top priority

• HB 4994

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is spearheading a measure that would further increase student safety by ensuring their local school board’s threat assessment procedures are filed with the local law enforcement agencies that passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.

“Student safety is a top priority,” Belt said. “With an increase in school shootings, it’s vital that our schools are up to date on procedures and understand what to do in an emergency.”

Currently, each public school district is required to implement a threat assessment procedure that includes the creation of a threat assessment team. The team must consist of an administrator, teacher, school counselor, psychologist, school social worker and at least one law enforcement official.

House Bill 4994 would require each local school board to file the threat assessment procedure and a list of the members on the school district's threat assessment team or regional behavior threat assessment and intervention team with a local law enforcement agency and the regional office of education at the start of each school year. Chicago Public Schools would file the threat assessment procedure and list of members with the Illinois State Board of Education.

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Belt, local leaders outline measure to encourage long-term volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) joined local community leaders to highlight a measure that would help recruit more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel by providing an income tax credit at a press conference Friday.

“People rely on first responders when they are in a crisis,” Belt said. “Providing an incentive for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel to encourage them to stay longer ensures that the fire departments have sufficient resources and residents know that emergency responders can act quickly in an emergency.” 

Belt, alongside Representative Katie Stuart, Chief Tom Elliff of the Signal Hill Fire Department and fire department officials, outlined a measure that would incentivize more long-term volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel.

Senate Bill 3027 would provide a $500 income tax credit for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel who are a member or work for a fire department or fire protection district for at least nine months and do not receive more than $10,000 for their volunteer services during the taxable year. Current law does not provide a tax credit. Other states that offer a similar credit include New York, Iowa and Maryland.

The proposed tax credit cannot reduce a taxpayer’s liability to less than zero. If the proposed tax credit exceeds the tax liability for the year, the excess may be applied within the next five taxable years. The credit would be applied to the earliest tax year in which there is a tax liability. If there are credits for more than one year, the earlier credit would be applied first.

Senate Bill 3027 passed the Senate 51-0 and awaits further consideration in the House.

People can watch a recording of the press conference on Senator Belt’s Facebook.

Belt, Greenwood, Hoffman host clothing drive for neighbors impacted by apartment fire

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to a fire that consumed an apartment building in Washington Park, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Representatives LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) and Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) have teamed up to collect clothes for the victims who have been displaced from their homes.

“While I am grateful the residents of the building made it out safely, I’m devastated as I think about the struggles the families will face as they’re displaced from their homes,” Belt said. “Representatives Greenwood and Hoffman and I have come together to pledge our support for the people who were affected by this unforeseen tragedy.”

A fire struck at an apartment building Wednesday morning in Washington Park. The Assistant Chief for the Washington Park Fire Department Ronnie Harris reported that when firefighters got there, flames were already pouring from the building. Fortunately, all the residents were able to make it out safely.

“My heart goes out to the families that are impacted by this tragedy,” Hoffman said. “Let’s come together as a community to help these folks out as they get back on their feet.”

”I’m thankful that nobody was seriously hurt, but I know there are some difficult days ahead,” Greenwood said. “I’m praying for these families as they rebuild, and encourage everyone to take a moment to help those who were affected.”

Read more: Belt, Greenwood, Hoffman host clothing drive for neighbors impacted by apartment fire

Belt, Crowe attend NASCAR Cup Series official race name announcement

MADISON – With the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway, State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) attended the race’s official name announcement, Enjoy Illinois 300, sponsored by the Illinois Office of Tourism.

“I am proud to represent the great city of Madison and the hardworking community that lives here,” Belt said. “This raceway has made essential investments over the years to become what it is today – a place that brings diversity, revenue and excitement together. The upcoming race will have an enormous economic boost for our community and the Metro East that will uplift local businesses, hotels, restaurants and more.”

The NASCAR Cup Series is enjoyed by millions of viewers across the globe nearly year-round – at the track, on television and through robust digital platforms. These events are credited with delivering millions of dollars annually to host communities. An economic impact study recently completed by the Rawlings Sports Business Management Department at Maryville University projects that this NASCAR Cup Series event will produce at least $60 million in economic impact for the region, attracting more than 83,000 fans.

Read more: Belt, Crowe attend NASCAR Cup Series official race name announcement