SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt secured $550,000 to help Southwestern Illinois College build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades in the Metro East.

“We often talk about the importance of getting more people into the trades — but talk alone doesn’t build careers,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “This funding will provide resources to train the next generation of skilled works right here in our community.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to stop gym and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership.

“When gyms advertise lifetime memberships, someone shouldn’t have their benefits reduced because they’re actually utilizing the gym,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  "If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to turn around next year and raise your rate."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois.

“It is common sense to eliminate unnecessary licensing requirements for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states that imposes these stiff requirements, and it’s time we get out of the way and allow individuals to practice their craft and earn a living without unnecessary barriers."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt scored a win for Metro East manufacturing and labor with the passage of his bill to enhance career and technical education opportunities.

“If we want to bring back and build up manufacturing in the Metro East, we need to build the labor pool,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Career and technical education can help a young person create a stable career, leading to a stable family and ultimately a stable Metro East.”