EAST ST. LOUIS – With the deadline to fill out the 2020 census coming to a close nextWednesday, Metro East legislators and community leaders are urging all
St. Clair and Madison County residents to fill out the census to improve the low response rates.

“Filling out the census is an easy process and a 100% response rate is critical in sustaining the quality in community assets such as schools, roads and hospitals,” Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Sept. 30 is the last day to get counted and millions of dollars in federal funding is at risk if residents don’t take getting counted seriously. I strongly urge all residents to fill out the census before it’s too late.” 

In St. Clair County, participation in the 2020 census is currently lower than in the 2010 census. Only 67.2% of St. Clair County residents have completed their census form this year, as opposed to 70% of residents in 2010. Seven municipalities in St. Clair County and one in Madison County have a rate of 55% or under. The cities and villages included by name and rate listed are:

Read more: Belt joined area legislators to urge residents to complete the 2020 census

EAST ST. LOUIS – More than two dozen local businesses saw relief from the first round of Business Interruption Grants, leading State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) to encourage more small businesses facing economic hardship to apply for the second round.

“Our state is continuing to support small businesses during this pandemic, and business owners who face financial struggles because of the pandemic should take advantage,” Belt said. “Twenty-five local businesses are currently benefiting from the first round, and I hope to see more area businesses benefit.” 

Read more: Belt encourages local businesses to apply for the second round of Businesses Interruption Grants

EAST ST. LOUIS – To support the state’s ongoing pandemic response, the U.S. Department of Labor established two new grants that will create close to 1,300 jobs throughout Illinois. State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Friday both St. Clair and Madison County will be awarded close to $1.7 million. 

“As a result of this pandemic, many unemployed people have been without work and have even considered changing careers. This is why an investment to recruit, train, and hire is so vital in supporting our state’s pandemic response,” Belt said. “I am proud to see that both St. Clair and Madison County will benefit from these grants to create job opportunities for local residents.” 

Read more: Belt announces St. Clair and Madison County to benefit from new U.S. Department grants

EAST ST. LOUIS – As the deadline to complete the 2020 census quickly approaches, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is hosting a school supplies giveaway and census drive on Saturday, Sept 12, to help more families get counted.   

"Residents in the community need to understand the amount of resources and federal funding that are put at risk if they are not counted," Belt said. "This is the last month to fill out the 2020 Census and it’s important every person is counted. I hope families come out to receive school supplies for the upcoming semester and also get counted to ensure we have all the funding we need for the next 10 years."

Read more: Belt to host census drive event to encourage residents to get counted