EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to speak about the comprehensive criminal justice reform package signed into law last month.

“Although these reforms should have happened long ago, this is still a remarkable first step in creating fundamental change in our state,” Belt said. “I’d like to thank the governor for visiting the 57th District to show his support for this landmark legislation in communities that will feel the effects of this legislation most.”

Following months of public testimony in numerous Senate committee hearings, the new law was written in the months following the tragic death of George Floyd and in response to the nationwide calls to address structural racism in the United States.

Belt, along with other members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, created a four-pillar policy approach to address the issue. The four pillars resulted in legislation to address criminal justice, health, education, and economic access– which was sponsored by Belt.

“This law will lead to increased accountability and transparency for law enforcement,” Belt said. “I’m proud that Illinois has taken this step toward justice and progress.”

The provisions of the law include better police training and accountability, a ban on the use of chokeholds, increased training in crisis intervention and more mental health screening for officers. “The law also replaces Illinois’ cash bail system, which often traps the poor in jail, with a pretrial detention system based on risk of flight and danger to the community.”

The measure was signed into law late last month. Many provisions will phase in over time or be enacted after a transitional period in the coming years. Body cameras for law enforcement will become mandatory by 2025. Additionally, bail reforms take effect January 2023.

Centreville – With the State’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a $1.5 million shovel-ready construction project in downtown East St. Louis on Thursday.

“I’m pleased that the State is prioritizing the revitalization of historic landmarks in our community, like the Broadview Hotel,” Belt said. “This project will create hundreds of jobs downtown and will provide new and affordable housing and development to a city in need of investment in local infrastructure.”

Part of the statewide construction program that will support new development across Illinois, the project is set to renovate the historic former Broadview Hotel in downtown East St. Louis, to create transit-oriented affordable housing and commercial development.

“This building has been a historic landmark in our community for nearly 100 years,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing this building and the rest of downtowns’ renewal in the years to come.”

Now registered as a national historic place, the Broadview Hotel was completed nearly 100 years ago, in 1927. In its early years, the hotel was the city's largest and finest hotel, providing luxury rooms and amenities, and doubling as a regional and statewide convention and meeting venue.

The Broadview Hotel is also an excellent example of hotel design and construction in the St. Louis region in the 1920s. Designed and engineered by Arthur J. Widmer for Widmer Engineering Company, the building embodies modern urban hotel planning.

The project is being funded by Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.

BELLEVILLE – With Illinois’ vaccination efforts in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker Thursday to tour a Metro East mass vaccination site located in the Belle-Clair fairgrounds. 

“Eventually more than a thousand people who live in the Metro East will be able to roll up their sleeves for their vaccination shot, thanks to this site,” Belt said. “As more vaccines are brought into our state, this number will only grow, and I believe sites like these will be key to ending this public health crisis.”

Read more: Belt is joined by governor to tour Belleville mass vaccination site

EAST ST. LOUIS – As the 102^nd General Assembly begins, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is honored to serve as the Senate Education Committee chair. 

"I am excited and honored to be selected as the Senate Education Committee chair for the 102nd General Assembly," Belt said. "As the chair, I will ensure that our youth are getting the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

Read more: Belt named Education Committee chair