EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced the opening of a kiosk in the Illinois State Police District 11 headquarters located in Collinsville to help Metro East residents apply and update their Firearm Owners Identification card and Concealed Carry License.

“The General Assembly, along with the Illinois State Police, has worked to better the FOID and CCL process for people,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The application backlogs have been eliminated, lessening the time applicants have to wait for their cards.”  

The Illinois State Police opened its fourth FOID Kiosk to help people apply for and update their FOID card and CCL. The Metro East now has a kiosk located in District 11 headquarters to assist individuals without access to online devices or who are experiencing difficulties online. Illinois residents can visit one of four kiosks across the state to receive one-on-one assistance.

Read more ...

EAST ST. LOUIS – Over 30 businesses in Madison and St. Clair Counties were awarded more than $1.4 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Metro East businesses have fought to keep their doors open,” Belt said. “Local businesses are deserving of this funding to continue getting back on their feet after the unprecedented times we have had.”

A total of $1.415 million was awarded to 34 businesses in the 57^th District. The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget.

DCEO has provided $250 million in B2B grants – thanks to strong support from Senator Belt – to small businesses throughout the state, with an emphasis on hard hit sectors, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, barbershops and salons, and disproportionately impacted areas.

Read more ...

EAST ST. LOUIS – Metro East working families and teachers will see lower back-to-school shopping costs this fall under a new law supported by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Families are often burdened with back-to-school shopping as students head back to the classroom,” Belt said. “I’ve been a supporter of a tax holiday for years, especially since people cross the Mississippi to take advantage of Missouri’s tax holiday weekend. This ten day tax break will help support Illinois communities, small businesses and working families.”

Belt serves as a chief-cosponsor of Senate Bill 157, which lowers the state tax rate on clothes and school supplies from 6.25% down to 1.25% for 10 days from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, 2022.

Read more ...

EAST ST. LOUIS – Three St. Clair County fire districts are set to receive grant funding for equipment totaling more than $75,000, thanks to support for State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“The men and women who work at our local fire departments risk their lives to keep our communities safe,” Belt said. “They are the first people we call in a crisis.”

Grants were awarded to over 100 fire departments and districts across Illinois totaling $2.5 million to purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment. The initiative derives from fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois that have struggled financially to buy small equipment.

The following fire districts in the 57^th District will receive funding:

• Church Road Fire Protection District: $25,908
• Midway Fire Protection District: $26,000
• Millstadt Fire Protection District : $26,000

Read more ...