SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that school libraries across St. Clair and Madison counties will receive more than $30,000 in state grant funding.

“School libraries are a safe place for many kids to expand their knowledge and prepare for their future,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “The funding will help our school libraries keep up with times by helping them upgrade to new technology used to help kids learn.”

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Christopher Belt secured $550,000 to help Southwestern Illinois College build pathways to good-paying jobs in the construction and building trades in the Metro East.

“We often talk about the importance of getting more people into the trades — but talk alone doesn’t build careers,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “This funding will provide resources to train the next generation of skilled works right here in our community.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to stop gym and fitness centers from cancelling or changing benefits of a promised lifetime membership.

“When gyms advertise lifetime memberships, someone shouldn’t have their benefits reduced because they’re actually utilizing the gym,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  "If you sign up for a lifetime membership at a set price, the gym shouldn’t be able to turn around next year and raise your rate."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois.

“It is common sense to eliminate unnecessary licensing requirements for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states that imposes these stiff requirements, and it’s time we get out of the way and allow individuals to practice their craft and earn a living without unnecessary barriers."