Belt law to make amusement parks safer

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is making amusement rides and attractions safer for families, thanks to a new law that will require amusement parks to have at least one staff member qualified to administer CPR.

“This law will enhance safety standards and ensure the well-being of visitors at amusement parks statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that we acknowledge the need for effective emergency response in high-risk environments and that we implement policies that will ensure the safety of our community members and state visitors.”

The new law requires a park’s owner or operator to ensure that at least one operator working on site has been certified to provide first aid and CPR.

“This law is crucial for safeguarding the lives of people looking to simply enjoy an amusement park,” said Belt. “Providing trained personnel who can effectively handle medical emergencies will offer peace of mind to park-goers and their families.”

The governor signed House Bill 3097 into law on Friday, June 30 and it goes into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Belt measure to increase accountability of housing authorities signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state.

“Everyone should have access to affordable housing. No one should have to question whether they will have a roof over their heads to protect them and their families,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With more accurate wait list information, we can streamline the housing application processes and promote fair and equitable access to affordable housing opportunities.”

A housing authority is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs include housing choice voucher programs and public housing. This new law changes the Housing Authorities Act, requiring that every housing authority collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each housing project, as well as information on whether each wait list maintained by the authority is open or closed.

“Over 224,000 people rely on housing assistance in the state, which includes a large number of my constituents in the 57^th District,” said Belt. “It’s only right that these housing authorities start providing this crucial information. This will build a stronger, more transparent housing system that meets the needs of Illinois residents using this assistance.”

Senate Bill 1367 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Belt measure to address teacher shortage signed into law

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has faced a teacher shortage in recent years, which encouraged State Senator Christopher Belt to champion a new law to address this ongoing issue.

“As an advocate for quality education and the well-being of our students, I am always looking for ways to confront issues that negatively affect our state’s schools,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We should be attracting educators to our schools, not pushing them away. They deserve more from us.”

The new law will provide retention bonuses of $4,000 per year, for two consecutive years to teachers who are National Board Certified and are employed in hard-to-staff schools. A hard-to-staff school is a public school that no less than 30% of the student enrollment is considered low-income. Becoming a National Board Certified teacher is a career continuum for those who start in pre-service teacher preparation, leading aspiring teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification.

The law aims to provide an incentive for teachers to work in underserved areas, as these are the areas that are most affected by the current teacher shortage.

“Teachers play an irreplaceable role in shaping the minds and futures of our children,” said Belt. “By prioritizing measures that attract, retain and support qualified teachers, we are investing in the success of our students and empowering educators while doing so.”

House Bill 3801 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Belt kicks off summer reading program

EAST ST. LOUIS – To emphasize the importance of learning throughout the summer, State Senator Christopher Belt is hosting a Summer Book Club.

“Students who read during the summer gain an average of one month of reading proficiency,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a great opportunity for students to participate in so they can stay on top of their academic skills and reading level when school starts back up in the fall.”

The Summer Book Club requires students to read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Senator Belt’s office by Aug. 18. Every child who completes the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Belt.

Summer Book Club forms are available to download at SenatorBelt.com or at any public library located in the 57^th District. People with questions can reach out to Belt’s office at (618) 875-1212.