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.

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.”

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.

EAST ST. LOUIS – A number of Metro East libraries will soon see upgrades to services thanks to more than $400,000 in grants, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) announced today.

“People visit libraries to escape reality and enhance their knowledge,” Belt said. “It’s essential we continue to support and fund local libraries as our communities rely on them.”

The $417,990 received by 12 local libraries is part of $18.1 million in grants awarded to 638 public libraries across the state. For more than 40 years, the Illinois Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grants Program has helped public libraries with a low library tax base to ensure a minimum level of funding for library services.

Libraries will use the grants from the secretary of state’s office to help fund new services and products, such as audiobooks, adult programming, dual language materials and more.

“Reading inspires a lifelong interest in books,” Belt said. “As the school year begins, I encourage students to visit a local library and take advantage of the resources available.”

The following libraries in the 57th District will receive funds:

• Belleville Public Library, $65,605
• East St. Louis Public Library, $165,550
• Fairview Heights Public Library, $25,190
• Freeburg Area Library District, $9,000
• Six Mile Regional Library District, $64,541
• Lebanon Public Library, $6,516
• Madison Public Library, $8,255
• Mascoutah Public Library, $12,637
• Millstadt Public Library, $5,916
• O’Fallon Public Library, $44,899
• Smithton Public Library District, $7,090
• Venice Public Library, $2,787