EAST ST. LOUIS – Building on robust efforts to address the health and safety of residents in the metro east during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt, D-Cahokia, and State Representative LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, announced the opening of a COVID-19 testing site in East St. Louis.   

“This pandemic has exposed the harsh and grim reality of subpar healthcare that has led to glaring comorbidity rates for citizens residing in impoverished communities, particularly for African Americans. Access to quality healthcare must be a right of every single person in this country, no matter what their socioeconomic status or zip code.” said Senator Belt.  

Read more: Belt and Greenwood Announce COVID-19 Testing Facility

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Tuesday that eligible SNAP recipients will receive additional benefits beginning this week. 

“No family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from during this health crisis,” Belt said. “This additional SNAP support will go a long way for families and relieve some of their worries as they continue to provide necessary meals.”

More than 450,000 Illinois residents will receive additional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The increased amount will automatically load onto their link cards. Link card holders do not need to call or visit an office. All new applications authorized in April will also receive the maximum allotment for their household size.

Read more: Belt announces that SNAP recipients will receive additional benefits during COVID-19 pandemic

SPRINGFIELD– State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Monday the expansion of support to childcare workers and other essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“During this crisis, essential workers still need someone to watch their children. Additional support for these hardworking individuals is critical,” Belt said. “This ensures their kids are still safe while increasing the affordability for care.”

All essential workers in health care, human services, essential government services, and essential infrastructure now qualify for the state’s Child Care Assistance. Most of the expenses of emergency childcare centers and homes will be covered. This expansion of eligibility includes those working as nurses and doctors, supporting staff in hospitals, grocery store clerks and food producers.

Emergency childcare centers will receive additional reimbursement rates above their usual pay rate. Childcare centers interested in re-opening as emergency child centers are able to apply for a permit through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. To apply visit: www2.illinois.gov/sites/OECD.

Home childcare providers do not need a permit and can serve up to six children.

For more information on assistance available at the Department of Human Services visit: DHS.illinois.gov/helpishere and coronavirus.illinois.gov

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure a complete count of Illinois residents in the upcoming census, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) hosted an informational event regarding the 2020 Census at East St. Louis Community College Center on Wednesday.

"One way to reach hard-to-count areas is to inform residents about the importance of being counted," Belt said. "Most people are not aware that if they are not counted, millions of dollars in funding for our schools and hospitals is at risk."

Read more: Belt reaches out to hard-to-count residents at informational 2020 Census event