SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to enhance early literacy education for students in kindergarten through third-grade.

“It’s so important that kids receive early intervention if they are having difficulties reading,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The earlier a student is identified as potentially struggling with reading, the sooner intervention and support can start for the student.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a new measure that looks to crack down on companies that contract out more than 10% of their agreed-upon work for the state overseas.

“We’re finding out that companies across Illinois and the United States are bidding on state contracts and then turning around and contracting out 50% of the work to India or China,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We shouldn’t allow this to continue. Companies that use workers in the United States should get priority for all state contracts.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) released the following statement Wednesday after the governor outlined his budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026:

“Every year when the governor releases a budget proposal, my top priority is making sure our community gets our fair share of state resources. Our area deserves the same investment in infrastructure, teacher pay and public safety that we see other parts of the state receiving. Over the next several months, I look forward to working with my fellow Metro East officials to craft a state budget that’s fair to downstate and is fiscally responsible.” 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt introduced a new measure to alleviate some costs for new mothers in Illinois by requiring all health insurance plans to cover car seats and cribs.

“New moms are shelling out a couple hundred bucks to purchase cribs and car seats, which is essentially a hidden tax on becoming a parent,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Every mother in our state should be afforded the luxury of keeping their child safe in their home and on the road.”