Belt law bans bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – For too long, consumers have been left tricked when gyms and fitness centers offer a lifetime membership, only to change the terms of the deal after the fact. That will change come Jan. 1, thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Christopher Belt ensuring these businesses keep their word.

“If you run an honest business that provides quality service to your customers, then this law won’t concern you,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  "We are going after bad actors in the fitness industry looking to nickel and dime their customers to death with cheap gimmicks.”

Read more: Belt law bans bait-and-switch gym membership sales tactic starting Jan. 1

Belt: Big win for local chicken farmers

SPRINGFIELD – Starting Jan. 1, a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt will allow smaller poultry producers increased access to the poultry market while still upholding basic food safety measures.

“Farmers markets are popping up all over Illinois. They are a great way to grow local businesses, and now we will allow smaller poultry producers in on that growth,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a big win for family farms and local chicken producers.”

The new law increases the annual poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds and permits direct-to-consumer sales, including at farmers markets.

Read more: Belt: Big win for local chicken farmers

Belt supports legislation to give property tax relief for seniors

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt backed a property tax relief package that increases property tax exemption thresholds for senior citizens in Illinois.

“When this piece of legislation came across my desk, it was a no-brainer,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Many seniors in the Metro East have lived in their homes for decades ─ let’s ensure they are not priced out of the homes they have invested their lives into.”

Senate Bill 642 would deliver critical updates to help seniors on fixed incomes and help families facing economic challenges manage rising property tax costs. Under the measure, the maximum income limit for the Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption would increase substantially over the next several years, beginning at $75,000 for taxable year 2026, increasing to $77,000 for taxable year 2027 and settling at $79,000 for taxable year 2028 and beyond.

Read more: Belt supports legislation to give property tax relief for seniors

Belt, Hoffman partner to host canned food drive

SWANSEA — To kick off the giving season, State Senator Christopher Belt and State Representative Jay Hoffman are collecting canned goods ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.

“Let’s come together to address the pressing need for food in our community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Every little bit helps. Giving back is a small way we can all make a big difference in our community.”

Residents are encouraged to drop off cans of green beans, gravy and cranberry sauce, and boxes of stuffing and cornbread now through Nov. 18.

Drop off locations include:

• Senator Belt’s East St. Louis office: Kenneth Hall Regional Office Bldg., 10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis
• Senator Belt’s Swansea office: 7 Park Pl., Suite C, Swansea
• Representative Hoffman’s Belleville office: 2300 W. Main St., Belleville
• Birth to Five Illinois: 1000 S. Illinois St., Belleville
• Downtown Belleville YMCA - Kern Center: 200 S. Illinois St., Belleville

For more information, contact Belt’s Swansea office at 618-416-2452 or Belt’s East St. Louis office at 618-875-1212.