Belt applauds construction dollars for Metro East communities

SPRINGFIELD – Billions of dollars in funding will be released for construction projects across the state under a bipartisan package of bills approved by the General Assembly and signed into law today by Gov. JB Pritzker.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth and expansion,” Belt said. “If we want our state to grow and prosper, we must make continued investments in our roads, bridges, schools and health care networks.”

The construction plan is Illinois’ first in a decade. Since the last statewide construction plan in 2009, the condition of the state’s roads, bridges and public buildings has degraded, causing AAA to give Illinois’s infrastructure a grade of D.

The plan also includes a combined $850,000 for the cities of East St. Louis, Centreville and Alorton for crumbling sidewalks, streets with large potholes and outdated sewer lines.

“This will be an economic stimulus for these cities and give local leaders a chance to invest in their communities,” Belt said. “Overall, this capital bill provides the necessary tools to improve our infrastructure and put us on track to where we need to be.” 

In addition, the East Side Health District, which has been providing health services to the region for 73 years and has filled a vital gap in health services in East St. Louis, will receive $1 million to expand clinic services and invest in urban farming in the neighborhoods.

Senators pleased by coordinated flood fighting efforts

SPRINGFIELD – Several counties along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers have been affected by massive flooding in recent weeks. State senators Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) from the Metro East area of Illinois issued the following statements regarding the state’s comprehensive effort to combat the rising water:

“It’s overwhelming to see the impact the rivers have had on homes and businesses, but the work of the National Guard, IEMA, elected officials, law enforcement and volunteers proves that Madison County can handle anything,” Crowe said. “The men and women who have bagged sand, kept an eye on levees, supported citizens evacuating and kept everyone safe through this over 100-day progression are the true heroes.”

“This flooding has affected numerous of communities throughout the state and many neighborhoods in my district that border the Mississippi River,” Belt said. “These communities have seen a substantial amount of hardship over the past few months, so I commend Gov. Pritzker for providing resources that will help them recover from the destruction that this heavy rain has done.”

Crowe and Belt also remind residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage to their homes and businesses. Scammers often move quickly into communities to exploit people with damage to their homes or businesses. A few tips: never pay in cash, ask to see state and local licenses and get all terms in writing.

Residents needing assistance are urged to reach out to Crowe or Belt’s district offices.

Senator Crowe’s Office: (618) 251-9840

Senator Belt’s Office: (618) 875-1212

Belt votes for balanced budget to continue on path to stability

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) released the following statement after voting on a budget that increases funding for violence prevention grants, education, MAP, AIM HIGH and DCFS.

“This year’s budget keeps Illinois on the road toward stability and truly channels the needs of the working families in Illinois,” Belt said. “Increasing funding to these programs boosts our students’ growth and also puts our state in a better position than before.” 

“Also, the budget is creating new jobs opportunities and revolves around stopping low-income families from leaving the state,” Belt said.     

The budget appropriates $12 million in grants to address violence prevention efforts state statewide, including downstate communities, Chicago and the suburbs.

P-12 education will have record-breaking funding of $8.8 billion, and higher education will receive a 5 percent increase to support community college and universities. Local districts will receive an additional $26 million for students’ transportation costs.

The Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive $451 million in next year’s budget – a $50 million increase over last year.

AIM HIGH, a program that works to reduce the costs of college for working and middle-class students, will receive an additional $10 million in funding, a move Belt hopes will help combat student out migration.

DCFS will receive an additional $100 million to hire 300 staff and caseworkers, reducing worker caseload and ensuring more attentive oversight for children and families under the agency’s care.

Belt helps neglected children get placed in safe homes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) passed legislation today that provides funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization of volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court.

“Kids shouldn’t have to deal with abusive atmospheres,” Belt said. “CASA ensures that neglected kids are removed from those circumstances and are placed in safe and loving homes.”

Belt’s legislation amends the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act to require every county that uses CASA’s services to provide grants to fund their activities.

Currently, Illinois is one 6 states that does not have an appropriation for the CASA programs and ranks last in providing funding of state CASA offices.

House Bill 2497 passed the Senate and now goes back to the House for a concurrence vote