SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement Wednesday after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Every year when the governor releases a budget proposal, my top priority is making sure our community gets our fair share of state resources. Our area deserves the same investment in infrastructure, teacher pay and public safety that we see other parts of the state receiving. Over the next several months, I look forward to working with my fellow Metro East officials to craft a state budget that’s fair to downstate and is fiscally responsible.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a new measure to alleviate some costs for new mothers in Illinois by requiring all health insurance plans to cover car seats and cribs.

“New moms are shelling out a couple hundred bucks to purchase cribs and car seats, which is essentially a hidden tax on becoming a parent,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Every mother in our state should be afforded the luxury of keeping their child safe in their home and on the road.” 

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $400,000 grant for Doula Lab, a Belleville-based organization that provides doula services and training for the Metro East community.

“The path to parenthood looks different for everyone, so it’s important we invest in pregnancy services that help individuals feel respected, supported and safe,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I have been a major advocate for doula services in Springfield throughout my career, and I’m glad we’re taking the necessary steps to expand services.”  

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt’s office is collecting store-bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day.

“Let’s show our support for our senior community and let them know we are thinking about them on Valentine’s Day,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This is a really simple way to brighten someone’s day.”  

Individuals are encouraged to write kind notes and drop them off or mail them to Belt’s district offices, located at the Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building, 10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A, East St. Louis, IL 62201 or 7 Park Place, Suite C, Swansea, IL 62226. Belt is collecting cards until Monday, Feb. 10 and will deliver them to local long-term care facilities.

People with questions can reach out to Belt’s East St. Louis office at (618) 875-1212 or Swansea office at (618) 746-8126.