Press Releases

SWANSEA – After hearing an agreement was formally finalized and adopted to maintain Medicare Advantage coverage for Illinois retirees through Aetna and BJC Healthcare, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement:

“Like many Metro East retirees, it brings me a great sigh of relief to hear that Aetna and BJC were able to work out a deal to continue to provide in-network services to members enrolled in the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois program. With this deal now in place, Illinois retirees have regained the peace of mind they deserve when it comes to their healthcare.

“I will keep close contact with Aetna, BJC Healthcare and Illinois CMS and be ready to assist in any way that will ensure Metro East residents have long-term reliable coverage.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt celebrated the groundbreaking of the new, state-of-the art Illinois State Police Metro East Regional Headquarters. The new headquarters will be located at 2501 Lynch Ave. in East St. Louis and will stand as a regional hub for public safety, law enforcement coordination and specialized technical support.

The ISP Metro East Regional Headquarters will be approximately 60,000 square feet and house ISP patrol, investigations and 911 communications, as well as an indoor training facility that includes an interactive simulator. ​ The $55 million project is part of Rebuild Illinois capital infrastructure program, which Belt supported in 2019.

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced that applications are now being accepted for the Small Equipment Grant Program benefiting fire departments and ambulance services.

“Now is the time for local fire and ambulance departments to get their applications in,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This grant program ensures Metro East fire departments are well equipped for anything that comes their way.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program assists fire departments and not-for-profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those experiencing difficulty in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The grants allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small tools and equipment they may otherwise not be able to afford.

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced nearly $430,000 in grant funding is being awarded to the Metro East to attract visitors and support tourism in the region. The awards includes funds to support projects along Route 66 and in St. Clair County.

“The Metro East has a significant footprint in the automotive and motorsport industries,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With the World Wide Technology Raceway and Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Speedway, the 57th District is in a unique position to bring in a lot more visitors in the years to come.”​

On Route 66, $354,000 will be used for a comprehensive capital improvement and visitor experience enhancement project for the World Wide Technology Raceway located in Madison. Key project components include the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, Route 66-themed wayfinding and interpretive signage, modernization of drag strip scoreboards, redevelopment of the interstate-facing drag tower into a landmark Route 66 feature, and creation of highly visible visitor engagement and photo opportunity areas.