SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt is encouraging local governmental agencies to apply for funding through the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program following the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ announcement of $54 million in available funds.

“Parks are assets to our community, and we need to keep them up and running so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy them,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Programs like OSLAD are what allow our parks and outdoor recreation areas to stay updated and accessible for years to come.”

OSLAD is a matching grant program that offers funding assistance to local governments to acquire and develop land for public parks. OSLAD provides an advance payment of 50% of the grant award amount for approved development projects. Local agencies must demonstrate their ability to finance the remaining project costs before receiving the rest of the grant funds.

Since its establishment in 1986, OSLAD has become one of the state’s most popular grant programs, awarding over $585 million for park projects across the state. In the most recent round of OSLAD awards announced in January, 32 underserved communities received grants to enhance their local park facilities.

The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Sept. 13. For more information, visit IDNR’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – With strong support from State Senator Christopher Belt, a new law signed Wednesday aims to spur economic growth and enhance benefits under the Grocery Initiative Act – a law Belt led in 2023.

“Grocery stores that open in or around food deserts need all the support possible in order to remain accessible for residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law recognizes the importance of the Grocery Initiative Act and allows these stores to qualify for additional assistance from the state.”

The new law expands eligibility for incentives under the Illinois Grocery Act, allowing grocery stores located in an Enterprise Zone — a designated area with available tax incentives aimed at stimulating economic growth in underserved areas — to apply for the High Impact Business program. Previously, grocery stores could only apply for assistance under the Grocery Initiative Act or the HIB program. Under this new law, eligible grocers can apply to both programs, making it easier for stores to open and thrive within food deserts.

SWANSEA — Building upon the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of over $280 million in road and bridge improvement projects across the 57^th District.

“Infrastructure improvements like these outlined in IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan will enhance transportation safety, boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for residents overall,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is always great to see these projects underway throughout the district, knowing the positive impact they will have in the region.”

As part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the district Belt represents will see 45 infrastructure improvements totaling more than $281 million next year.

These projects are part of IDOT’s Multi-Year Plan, a $40 billion investment in construction projects for the next six fiscal years. The project invests in all modes of transportation: roads and bridges, aviation, transit, freight and passenger rail, waterways, as well as bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

“It’s important we modernize our infrastructure to ensure the reliability and safety of our roads in the Metro East for years to come,” said Belt.

Find a full list of projects slated for the 57^th Senate District here.

SPRINGFIELD – In order for Illinois to provide equitable access to high-quality early childhood education and care services, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a measure signed into law Tuesday, creating the Illinois Department of Early Childhood.

“It is essential that we provide our youth with quality care and education at the earliest age possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “In doing so, this lays the foundation for a child’s learning journey and can result in long-term success for children.”

Senate Bill 1 creates the Department of Early Childhood beginning July 1. This department will be the lead agency for administering and providing early childhood education and care programs and services to children and families in Illinois. Additionally, all other state agencies dealing with early childhood services will have these programs transferred to the Department of Early Childhood by July 1, 2026.