EAST ST. LOUIS – To promote the Back to Business Grant Program, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) is inviting small business owners to participate in an informational webinar about eligibility and the application process.

Belt is partnering with Representatives LaToya Greenwood and Jay Hoffman, along with business leaders from Small Business Development Centers and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to host a free webinar for small business owners who need assistance applying for the Back to Business grant program at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 6.

EAST ST.LOUIS – Six projects totaling nearly $90 million to improve safety while creating jobs are underway or starting soon in the Metro East, State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced Thursday.

“As a resident and representative of the Metro East, I applaud the steps Illinois continues to take to ensure our roads are safe,” Belt said. “This funding improves the area’s infrastructure while creating good jobs.”

The following projects are set to be completed this year, with the remainder to be completed in 2022:

• Interstate 70 resurfacing and bridge painting from Interstate 55/70 to east of Interstate 55/70/270 as well as I-55/70 from east of Illinois 159 to north of Interstate 270
• Poplar Street Bridge improvements, including pavement patching, concrete overlay, deck repairs and bridge joint replacements
• Illinois 111/3 resurfacing and patching from Alby Street to Broadway in Alton
• Illinois 3 resurfacing from north of Monsanto Avenue to south of Ruby Street in Cahokia
• I-270 at Illinois 111 interchange reconstruction
• Illinois 157 resurfacing from State Street in East St. Louis to Petroff Drive

“As our state progresses on the road to economic recovery, these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time for the Metro East,” Crowe said. “By updating local roads and bridges, we can ensure dependable modes of transportation for commuters and families while creating labor jobs for residents.”

Over the next six years, the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to improve more than 3,535 miles of highway and 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois program with investments of up to $33 billion.

When construction is underway, drivers should anticipate delays and may wish to seek alternate routes. Belt and Crowe encourage drivers to obey posted construction zone speed limits and watch out for workers on construction projects.

More information and maps on the impact of Rebuild Illinois can be found at idot.click/Rebuild-Illinois. A list of the ongoing and upcoming projects in the Metro East can be found on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – After countless hours of negotiations, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement in support of the comprehensive energy package that prioritizes jobs in the energy workforce:

“As we move toward making Illinois a national leader in the clean energy conversation, we are ensuring families who rely on energy-related jobs are protected. This landmark legislation prioritizes the hardworking people of Illinois’ energy industry.  

“The measure addresses the economic impacts the coal plant closures have on both workers and the economy. It is essential that Illinoisans are assured they will be able to provide for their families.

“The health and safety of all residents is our first priority. I’m proud to have come to a deal that makes Illinois a national leader in the ongoing energy crisis, while also prioritizing jobs.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – After a busy legislative spring session, Illinoisans will benefit from a number of new laws championed by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“This spring I was able to pass more than a dozen new laws, including water and sewer assistance to low-income residents, help for service members who wish to receive their professional licenses quicker, and a requirement for state parks to fly three flags that represent our freedom,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing these newly signed laws create a long-term benefit for the residents of the 57^th District and all Illinoisans.”

Belt led a law for residents who struggle to pay water and sewer bills will to have additional financial assistance. House Bill 414 creates the Water and Sewer Low-Income Assistance Fund, authorizing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to make payments directly to the utility providers on behalf of qualified customers. The fund is financed through the opt-in program. One-third of the available funds will go to the households with the lowest incomes. Older adults and people with disabilities will also be prioritized.

Belt also championed House Bill 2776, which makes transitions easier for those whose jobs depend on having a professional license and whose living arrangements are often changed by a deployment or cross-country transfer. Many people who serve at Scott Airforce Base and their spouses relocate from other states. Belt’s law will make it quicker and easier for them to get back into their careers.

Another new law from Belt, found within Senate Bill 2089, requires the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly a United States, Illinois and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, it allows for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover any costs associated with flying the flags.

“I’m proud to have sponsored and passed measures that continue to make Illinois a great state,” Belt said. “As we get closer to the next legislative session, I will continue my promise to prioritize the need for change.”

A full list of the measures Belt sponsored can be found on the Illinois General Assembly’s website.