SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt that would increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state passed the Senate Wednesday.

“Access to safe and affordable housing is a fundamental human right, and this is something that shouldn’t have to be a guessing game for people,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By requiring housing authorities to collect and report data on vacancies and wait lists, we can better understand the housing needs of our communities and ensure that resources are being allocated effectively.”

This measure would change the Housing Authorities Act, requiring that every housing authority under the act collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each housing project as well as information on whether each wait list maintained by the authority is open or closed.

A housing authority is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs include housing choice voucher programs and public housing.

“In my district, there are many disadvantaged communities where this kind of information is crucial for people to know,” said Belt. “This is the kind of transparency and accountability we need in our public housing system. Not only would this help people have a better idea of their housing position, but it would identify specific areas of need when it comes to housing shortages.”

Senate Bill 1367 passed the Senate and now heads to the House for further consideration.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt announced that the Illinois Secretary of State has awarded nearly $2.5 million to the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force to combat carjacking and vehicle thefts in the area.

“Carjacking and vehicle thefts are serious crimes that threaten the safety and well-being of our community,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I am grateful to the Secretary of State’s office for recognizing the importance of this issue and for providing crucial support to help prevent this issue.”

The funding originates from the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which is overseen by the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s office convenes regular meetings of council members and awards funding to assist law enforcement entities to combat carjacking and prevent motor vehicle thefts.

The Metro East Auto Theft Task Force is a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies in the Metro East region and is designed to investigate and prevent auto thefts, carjacking and related crimes. In the comings weeks, the task force will see a total of $2,456,527 to help with their efforts.

“There is no single solution, but these grants give law enforcement needed financial resources, which will provide a greater sense of focus and effort to recover stolen vehicles and prevent carjackings that have been occurring all too frequently throughout our state,” said Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias. “People doing something so routine as getting in their car and driving shouldn’t have to fear that they’ll be robbed of their vehicle at gunpoint. Working together, we will continue to not only make our roads safer but also our communities, neighborhoods and business districts.”

To learn more about carjacking and auto thefts in the state and for more information about the grant, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Senate on Thursday that would address untimely collections placed on people with debt owed to state agencies.

“It is unfair for state agencies to wait years before attempting to collect debts,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This leaves debtors with no warning or opportunity to address the issue.”

Under this legislation, state agencies would be required to provide written notice and a demand for payment within five years of the agency’s right to collect accruing. Failure to do so would bar the agency from collecting the debt from the debtor. The five year limitation does not apply in the case of fraud, taxes, fines or fees. This also adds a ten year limitation for state agencies attempting to collect outstanding health benefit premiums from covered employees.

This measure comes from a constituent in Belt’s district who was billed for overpayments 30 years after receiving assistance.

“This strikes a balance between protecting debtors and ensuring state agencies have the ability to collect debts owed to them,” said Belt. “By providing a clear timeline for notice and demand, we are empowering debtors to take action and resolve their debts before they become overwhelming.”

Senate Bill 1291 cleared the Senate and now heads to the House for further action.

EAST ST. LOUIS – With the support from State Senator Chris Belt, the Sauget Fire Department and Madison Fire Department will receive a combined $42,000 to purchase small firefighting and ambulance equipment.

“Our firefighters are the first line of defense when it comes to protecting our communities from fires and other emergencies,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “These grants will help ensure that our firefighters have the equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that face hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase.

The Sauget Fire Department is set to receive $25,992, and the Madison Fire Department will see $16,295 in grant funds from the program.

“The OSFM continues to remain committed to our mission of helping departments and districts purchase essential firefighting or EMS equipment that will help not only their members to stay safe, but continue to provide lifesaving services to their communities,” said Acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Dale Simpson. “Budgets remain tight, and the cost of firefighting equipment continues to rise, that is why programs such as our Small Equipment Grant are a great resource, especially for our smaller and rural volunteer fire departments across the state.”

To learn more about grants and loans offered by the Illinois State Fire Marshal, click here.