MARION – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Christopher Belt joined Comptroller Susana Mendoza, downstate police, fire officials and families in Marion Thursday to advocate for a new state initiative to adequately fund line-of-duty benefits.

“Public safety officers and first responders have done much to protect their communities, and it’s right by them that they are honored for their sacrifice,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Family members of fallen first responders deserve financial protection as a standard.”

In each fiscal year budget, the General Assembly appropriates a line item for line-of-duty benefits, but in the event insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 and House Bill 5785 guarantees families receive their owed benefits. Senator Belt is the chief Senate sponsor of the initiative.

“This legislation is critical, as grieving families shouldn’t be forced to wait long periods of time to receive benefits after their loved one has passed away,” said Belt.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To offer residents a secure option to discard documents with personal information, State Senator Christopher Belt is hosting an event with free shredding services in Madison.

“Shredding sensitive documents is a strong way to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity fraud,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage everyone in our community to gather documents and attend this free event.”

Free shredding services will be available from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 320 Madison Ave. in Madison.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Belt’s office by calling 618-875-1212.

EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to backing from State Senator Christopher Belt.

“My colleagues in the General Assembly and I are proud that we were able to champion legislation that will benefit millions of Illinoisans,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “After all our constituencies have been through in the last few years, these rebates will provide much needed financial relief.”

Belt supported Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – To help offset the financial challenges of the last few years, State Senator Christopher Belt announced that school districts across the 57th Senate District will receive millions in additional funding.

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence based funding formula, which reexamined the state funding model for K-12 education. Thanks to this law, the school funding formula is more equitable as it takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate, the number of special education or English language learners, among other factors to base its revenue needs.

“Schools were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and they can benefit heavily from this increased financial support,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “Building off of the tax holiday for school supplies, this funding is yet another opportunity for educators to acquire the resources they need to provide children with the most optimal learning environment.”

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