Belt supports landmark energy package that prioritizes jobs

• SB2408

SPRINGFIELD – After countless hours of negotiations, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement in support of the comprehensive energy package that prioritizes jobs in the energy workforce:

“As we move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation, we are ensuring families who rely on energy-related jobs are protected. This landmark legislation prioritizes the hardworking people of Illinois’ energy industry.  

“The measure addresses the economic impacts the coal plant closures have on both workers and the economy. It is essential that Illinoisans are assured they will be able to provide for their families.

“The health and safety of all residents is our first priority. I’m proud to have come to a deal that makes Illinois a national leader in the ongoing energy crisis, while also prioritizing jobs.”

New Belt-sponsored laws benefit all Illinois residents

EAST ST. LOUIS – After a busy legislative spring session, Illinoisans will benefit from a number of new laws championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“This spring I was able to pass more than a dozen new laws, including water and sewer assistance to low-income residents, help for service members who wish to receive their professional licenses quicker, and a requirement for state parks to fly three flags that represent our freedom,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing these newly signed laws create a long-term benefit for the residents of the 57^th District and all Illinoisans.”

Belt led a law for residents who struggle to pay water and sewer bills will to have additional financial assistance. House Bill 414 creates the Water and Sewer Low-Income Assistance Fund, authorizing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to make payments directly to the utility providers on behalf of qualified customers. The fund is financed through the opt-in program. One-third of the available funds will go to the households with the lowest incomes. Older adults and people with disabilities will also be prioritized.

Belt also championed House Bill 2776, which makes transitions easier for those whose jobs depend on having a professional license and whose living arrangements are often changed by a deployment or cross-country transfer. Many people who serve at Scott Airforce Base and their spouses relocate from other states. Belt’s law will make it quicker and easier for them to get back into their careers.

Another new law from Belt, found within Senate Bill 2089, requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly a United States, Illinois and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, it allows for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover any costs associated with flying the flags.

“I’m proud to have sponsored and passed measures that continue to make Illinois a great state,” Belt said. “As we get closer to the next legislative session, I will continue my promise to prioritize the need for change.”

A full list of the measures Belt sponsored can be found on the Illinois General Assembly’s website.

Belt supports energy legislation that protects jobs

• SB18
• Energy

SPRINGFIELD – An advocate of keeping jobs in the communities built by the energy workforce, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement after supporting the comprehensive energy overhaul package that prioritizes preserving and creating jobs:

“Today’s vote was a move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation while ensuring the families that rely on energy-related jobs to feed their families aren’t forgotten.

“The proposed legislation creates programs to address the economic impacts the coal plant closures will have on workers and the economy. Illinoisans can be assured that they will be able to provide for their families.

“As a legislative body, it is our duty to prioritize the safety of all residents. I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues to make Illinois a national leader in the ongoing energy crisis.”

Construction funding to be secured and unfinished projects completed under plan by Belt

• HB270

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation will be required to provide funding to create additional infrastructure, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that was signed into law today.

The measure requires IDOT to fully fund all aspects of construction projects on state roadways, including infrastructure for pedestrians walking and bicycling within one mile of a city or town. Additionally, the measure requires IDOT to complete any of these unfinished infrastructure projects in municipalities with a population of 1,000 or more.

“Constituents voiced their concern about kids having to walk in the street to get to and from school,” Belt said. “With this funding, parents can trust that their children are traveling safely to and from school.”

Currently, IDOT covers 100% of the roadway construction, but requires 20% of costs associated with pedestrian infrastructure projects, like sidewalks, crosswalks and bike lanes, to be funded by the municipality where the project is located, which can be a large burden for some cities – particularly lower-income communities. 

“Many towns and cities that are left with unfinished infrastructure projects, including sidewalks, simply cannot afford to finish these projects,” Belt said. “This will help them cut into that long backlog, particularly for lower-income communities that need sidewalk projects to be finished with IDOT funding.”

According to the Metropolitan Planning Council, the states that cover 100% of state roadway projects, including pedestrian infrastructure, include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Colorado, Massachusetts, Delaware, and New Jersey.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.