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.”

SPRINGFIELD – In order to dismantle systemic inequality, combat discrimination in the workplace and promote growth in underserved communities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) has sponsored legislation that seeks to eliminate barriers to economic access, equity and opportunity.

“Black Americans make up about one in nine workers, but they represent one in six front-line workers— they should have the same career opportunities as any other individual,” Belt said. “This legislation is part of a larger effort to level the playing field moving forward.”

In order to eliminate historical economic disparities, the Senate passed a series of bills that addresses the third pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ anti-racism agenda—economic access, equity and opportunity—which is made up of nine parts:

EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to eliminate barriers for military members and their families, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has expedited the licensing review process for service members and their spouses who are seeking professional licensure in Illinois.

In 2019, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) sponsored House Bill 1652, which provided military personnel and their spouses with a designated liaison from the Department to ensure their license applications are managed efficiently.

“Our military families have already made great sacrifices to protect our freedoms. Providing them with the resources they need to start their careers in Illinois is the least we could do,” Belt said. “When a military family relocates to Illinois, it’s crucial that we make their transition as easy as possible.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced a new law will require pharmaceutical and insurance companies to cap insulin prices for Illinois residents with diabetes starting Jan. 1, 2021. 

“For years, pharmaceutical companies took advantage of the millions of Illinois residents who depend on insulin to live,” Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Because of the passage of Senate Bill 667, Illinois residents who need insulin will no longer be subjected to price gouging and other predatory practices.”