EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to increase state contracting opportunities for Black vendors, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) spoke Friday about the importance of creating new standards that ensure agencies are practicing fair contracting.   

“Black Americans are struggling to secure opportunities in supplier diversity, no matter the industry,” Belt said. “Illinois’ goal is to decrease disparities for all businesses of color by increasing sustainability and providing them a fair share of local, state, and federal contracting.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to this Saturday’s National Move Over Day, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is raising awareness of Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to move into another lane to protect first responders.

“When first responders are stopped to help people, they should not have to worry about drivers hitting them,” Belt said. “It needs to be a habit for drivers to move over once they see flashing lights on the side of the road in order to protect the people who are potentially trying to save someone’s life.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville), who helped spearhead the Black Caucus’ economic access, equity, and opportunity agenda, said after a committee adjourned Thursday that providing Black businesses more tools to succeed is vital for economic inclusion. 

“Economic inclusion will help ensure Black business are no longer historically excluded, marginalized and placed in disadvantaged communities, and have the same opportunity to become successful entrepreneurs,” Belt said. “Prioritizing support for Black businesses will help change the agenda of systemic racism and help them thrive.”

MARYVILLE – With the $67 million reconstruction project on Interstate 255 nearing completion, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are alerting residents of a new road project slated to begin early next year in the Metro East.

“By investing in our local infrastructure, our state is committing to the transportation needs of Metro East residents,” Crowe said. “Ensuring reliable transportation for seniors, working families and students, all while creating construction jobs, is a start to getting our local economies back on track.”