Dear friend,
The spring legislative session is behind us, and I’m proud of the progress we made to uplift working families and invest in our state’s future. This year, I focused on expanding access to blue collar careers and apprenticeship opportunities, helping more students stay in Illinois for college and protecting consumers from scams.
Read on to find out more about these efforts and other updates, including new legislation, available resources and what's happening in our area.
Of course, the work doesn’t end here. I’m already meeting with community members and advocates to shape next year’s legislative agenda and I want to hear from you. If there’s an issue you care about, please don’t hesitate to contact my East St. Louis office at (618) 875-1212, Swansea office at (618) 416-2452 or visit SenatorBelt.com.
It’s an honor to serve you in the Illinois Senate. Wishing you and your family a safe and healthy summer.
Sincerely,
Christopher Belt
State Senator | 57th District
Legislative recap
Protecting workers’ wages
I passed a bill that will strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay. House Bill 1189 ensures that workers receive the highest prevailing wage — whether federal or state — in local public works projects that include federal funding. This will eliminate potential confusion when rates differ and specifically impacts projects under state or local control. This is necessary because we have to ensure that the protections we have for workers in Illinois cannot be rescinded by federal administrations. Read more here.
Expanding manufacturing programs
Senate Bill 58 expands a current program that is successful in other parts of the state to the Metro East. The program allows manufacturing companies to partner with local community colleges and high schools to set up technical training programs that translate directly into jobs. This creates a targeted labor pool that connects prospective workers with the manufacturers in their community. Read more here.
Promoting online safety and cyberbullying prevention for students
I led Senate Resolution 5 to bring attention to online safety for K-12 students and to support continued education aimed at preventing cyberbullying and promoting responsible digital behavior. The resolution commends the work of organizations like the Illinois Judges Association, which partners with schools across the state to educate students about the risks associated with internet and social media use. These efforts include assemblies, classroom presentations and family-focused events that emphasize the importance of online safety and the consequences of illicit digital behavior. Read more here.
Keeping more students in Illinois for college
I passed a measure to make college admissions for high school juniors, seniors and community college transfer students a simpler process. The bill creates a program that offers direct admission to qualified applicants at all public universities and community colleges that participate in the program. Illinois is home to many talented young people, and they’re more likely to build their careers and families here if they stay in-state for college. Read more here.
Expanding organ donation leave for working people
I passed a bill that will ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put your livelihood at risk. As someone who received a lifesaving kidney transplant, I know firsthand how life-changing and life-saving these donations are. We should be removing barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift. Currently, part-time workers often do not receive the same workplace protections as full-time employees. This bill ensures that all eligible workers, no matter how many hours a week they work, can take time to donate an organ without risking their job or financial stability. Read more here.
The Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act
In direct response to the deadly tornado that struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville in December 2021, I passed the Warehouse Tornado Preparedness Act. The legislation puts new restrictions on warehouse construction and tasks warehouse operators with putting a safety plan in place for weather emergencies. This storm left a lasting mark on our community, and too many families are still living with the heartbreak it caused. This legislation is about being responsive to those voices — ensuring no one has to wonder whether their loved ones are safe at work when severe weather hits. You can read more about the details here.
Allowing first responders to assist across state lines during emergencies
In response to the destructive tornado that ripped through St. Louis earlier this year, I passed Senate Bill 784. This will allow Metro East first responders to assist residents across state lines when there is a natural disaster. It just makes sense to send assistance to nearby communities when they need it, regardless if they happen to live across the river.
Respecting our nation’s flag
I passed House Bill 1615 to allow counties to fly our nation’s flag anywhere on courthouse grounds instead of just on top of the courthouse. We wanted to make sure counties could fly the American flag in a prominent position that reflects our values and deference to the symbol of our country. The American flag is a powerful symbol and we should celebrate our sense of shared identity it provides.
Paid family leave for firefighters
I am working to pass legislation this year that will create the Firefighter Paid Family Leave Act. It would give firefighters and paramedics up to six weeks of paid family leave that can be used for the birth of a child, care for a newborn child, care for a newly adopted or fostered child and care for a family member with a serious health condition. This pay must be at the same level and intervals received by the firefighter or paramedic during their regular pre-leave working hours. House Bill 2490 passed the Illinois House and I’m continuing my efforts to get it over the finish line in the coming months.
In the district
Summer Book Club
During summer break, it’s important to keep kids’ minds sharp. That's why I’ve kicked off my annual Summer Book Club! Students who read eight books of their choice during the summer break and return the form to my East St. Louis or Swansea office by Aug. 15 will receive a gift card and certificate. Fill the form out online here. Read more about it here.
Resources
Beware of scam texts
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is warning Illinoisans about scam texts posing as the DMV. These phishing attempts aim to steal your info! The state will never send texts about license or registration status. Stay alert and report these messages at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Summer grocery help
If you have school-aged children, you may be eligible for grocery assistance this summer. Summer EBT offers families $120 for each eligible child to purchase groceries. You can receive this benefit even if your child is getting free meals at summer school or camp. Learn more and apply today.
Infrastructure funding available for local governments
Through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, funding is available through the new Overflow and Sewer Grant program to assist local governments with infrastructure needs to address combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows and stormwater management to improve water quality and protect local water resources. Grants will be awarded until all funds are expended or until Jan. 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
