EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – In response to new mitigation efforts released by the governor’s office surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Metro East region, State Sens. Christopher Belt, D-Centreville, Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, and State Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, issued the following statement Tuesday:

“The safety and wellness of residents of the Metro East and across Illinois will always remain our number-one priority. As we have continued to talk with local residents, families, business owners and employees, the damage caused by the coronavirus is very evident and is not solely on the physical health of those around us. Many small and family-owned businesses across the region have suffered tremendously and have been forced to make very difficult decisions in order to keep their doors open.

EAST ST. LOUIS - To save older adults a trip to a Secretary of State’s office, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is notifying drivers 75 and older with a license that expires in 2020 that its expiration date has been extended for one year.

“Giving residents who are 75 years of age or older the option to renew their license a year later will prevent them from worrying about exposure to Covid-19, while visiting a driver’s facility,” Belt said. “Extending the expiration date gives older adults an opportunity for a safer visit in the future.” 

CENTREVILLE — To increase awareness of economic development in underserved communities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Madison will receive a grant through the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program. 

“Communities that are disadvantaged needed financial assistance long before the pandemic, which is why this investment is so vital for economic inclusion,” Belt said. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for continuing to prioritize communities with the greatest needs.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – With so many small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced 25 local businesses will receive a combined $430,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“I’m glad to see many local small businesses took advantage of this grant opportunity to receive some financial relief from this pandemic,” Belt said “I understand it will take more than a grant for many of these businesses to fully recover. However, this is still a great step in helping the regrowth of these businesses.”