Belt encourages community participation in Valentine’s Day card drive for seniors

EAST ST. LOUIS — In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors in the 57^th District, State Senator Christopher Belt invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines.

“Our seniors have contributed so much to our community, and it’s important we show them love and appreciation when we can,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “A small gesture like making a Valentine’s Day card can make a significant difference in brightening someone’s day and letting them know they are valued.”

Belt is encouraging community members in the area to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various senior facilities in the 57^th District.

The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Friday, Feb. 9. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at one of Belt’s district offices or mail them to one of Belt’s offices at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Bldg. #10, Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis, IL 62201 or #7 Park Place, Suite C, Swansea, IL 62226.

For more information, residents can contact Belt’s office at 618-875-1212

Belt announces nearly $30,000 in library grants coming to Metro East school districts

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced over a dozen school districts around the Metro East area have received nearly $30,000 to provide resources to libraries through books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.

“Libraries play a major role in students’ academic success at all age levels,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This funding will empower our school districts to strengthen their library resources, allowing new and updated learning and technology opportunities for students.”

Funding for the School District Library Grant Program originates from the General Reserve Fund and is appropriated for this purpose by the Illinois General Assembly.

Some school districts receiving funding include:

• Belleville Township High School District 201 - $4,199
• East Saint Louis School District 189 - $3,559
• Mascoutah Community Unit District 19 - $3,473
• O'Fallon School District 90- $3,370
• Cahokia Community Unit School District 187 - $2,573

The grants, awarded once every fiscal year, will support school library services for over 1 million students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade across the state.

“When we invest in school libraries, we also invest in the academic growth and future success of students,” said Belt. “I’m thrilled that many school districts in the Metro East have received this funding to enhance the functionality of their libraries.”

For a full list of libraries that received funding, visit the Secretary of State’s website.

Illinois working to eliminate food deserts in 2024, thanks to Belt

SPRINGFIELD – A new law going into effect on Jan. 1 is expected to eliminate the number of food deserts in Illinois’ communities, thanks to State Senator Christopher Belt.

“There is no reason why individuals should struggle to find access to fresh food,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have communities all over the state that have this issue, and it’s time that is addressed.”

In 2021, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a study that found 807 census tracts are considered food deserts, meaning urban residents have to travel more than a half-mile and rural residents must travel more than 10 miles to get to the nearest grocery store.

Under the new law, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is required to provide grants and other forms of financial assistance to grocery stores located in or to be located in a food desert. This aims to help mitigate the issue of food deserts across the state.

“The Grocery Initiative Act is a crucial step toward ensuring equitable access to healthy food for all residents in Illinois,” said Belt. “This is a great stride toward a healthier, fairer future for all.”

Senate Bill 850 takes effect Jan. 1 2024.

New Belt law ends traffic stops for windshield obstructions

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning Jan. 1, a new law from State Senator Christopher Belt will put an end to traffic stops from law enforcement that solely involve minor windshield obstructions.

“This measure is not about hindering officers but about creating an understanding between law enforcement and drivers about what a legitimate reason is to be pulled over,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With this new law, we are sending a powerful message that the state does not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination.”

Starting Jan. 1, law enforcement officers cannot stop or search a vehicle because of a small item between the driver and the windshield such as decorations, disability placards, GPS systems and air fresheners. With concerns that traffic enforcement practices such as this disproportionately affect certain communities, this new law will prevent officers from using a minor windshield obstruction as a pretext to pulling drivers over but adds that the item cannot materially obstruct the driver’s view.

“This new law helps reduce unnecessary police encounters over minor vehicle code offenses that too often lead to violent confrontations,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, noting that Illinois was one of the last states to change the law. “Thank you to State Senator Belt and State Representative LaShawn Ford for championing this legislation that will result in greater equity on our roads by eliminating pretextual traffic stops and make our streets safer for both the public and law enforcement.”

House Bill 2389 takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.