EAST ST. LOUIS - To expand high-speed internet access to more households and businesses in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced $50 million in matching grants is now available in the second round of the Connect Illinois program. 

"Connect Illinois is the largest broadband expansion grant program in the country, and it has the potential to make a huge difference to our community," Belt said. "Roughly 177 Metro East households will receive internet access thanks to the first round of grants. I urge eligible applicants to apply for this second round to expand the number of homes and businesses that can benefit from this historic program.”  

Read more: Belt announces second round of broadband expansion grant applications is now open

EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to increase state contracting opportunities for Black vendors, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) spoke Friday about the importance of creating new standards that ensure agencies are practicing fair contracting.   

“Black Americans are struggling to secure opportunities in supplier diversity, no matter the industry,” Belt said. “Illinois’ goal is to decrease disparities for all businesses of color by increasing sustainability and providing them a fair share of local, state, and federal contracting.”

Read more: Belt: Black businesses deserve their fair share in state contracts

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to this Saturday’s National Move Over Day, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is raising awareness of Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to move into another lane to protect first responders.

“When first responders are stopped to help people, they should not have to worry about drivers hitting them,” Belt said. “It needs to be a habit for drivers to move over once they see flashing lights on the side of the road in order to protect the people who are potentially trying to save someone’s life.”

Read more: Belt brings awareness to National Move Over Day

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville), who helped spearhead the Black Caucus’ economic access, equity, and opportunity agenda, said after a committee adjourned Thursday that providing Black businesses more tools to succeed is vital for economic inclusion. 

“Economic inclusion will help ensure Black business are no longer historically excluded, marginalized and placed in disadvantaged communities, and have the same opportunity to become successful entrepreneurs,” Belt said. “Prioritizing support for Black businesses will help change the agenda of systemic racism and help them thrive.”

Read more: Belt: Economic inclusion is vital for Black businesses