EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt secured over $155 million to build and repair infrastructure in the Metro East.

“What we are seeing here is a massive investment in every mode of transportation for all Illinoisans,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We made a commitment to improve our state’s aging infrastructure and this historic funding is a major step in holding true to that commitment.”

The largest multi-year program to build and repair infrastructure in state history will invest $50.6 billion over six years, continuing an unprecedented investment in safety, mobility and quality of life made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. The Illinois Department of Transportation’s new multi-year program is both comprehensive and multimodal, with investments in roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations touching every Illinois county.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt supported a major pharmacy reform bill that protects patient access to pharmacies and lowers prescription drug prices.

“Pharmacy middlemen have been jacking up prices without any repercussion for years,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This new law will help lower costs of prescription drugs by ending greedy tactics used by pharmacy benefit managers.”

SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a new measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday.

“This ensures every adult working with our students has direct access to life-saving crisis resources,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help reinforce a culture of awareness and support.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing was signed into law.

“Many kids have no idea that these jobs exist and they can be a part of this industry,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Without a family member or friend working in the trades, kids may never have a clue how to get started. That’s why this law is important – it amplifies access to the trades through training programs.”