SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) that would allow water and sewer utilities to provide an additional financial assistance program passed committee on Thursday.

“Water and sewer services are essential services. You need them to live. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that low-income customers cannot afford their monthly bills,” Belt said. “This measure would help lessen that financial burden for these customers.” 

Utility providers can choose to opt-in to the program, managed by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to ensure low-income citizens’ water and sewer services are available and affordable.

“For many families, utility services can be a large percent of their monthly income,” Belt said.  “There are existing financial assistance policies in Illinois for other utility services. It’s crucial to provide a water and sewer assistance program as well.” 

The measure would create the Water and Sewer Low-Income Assistance Fund, authorizing DCEO to make payments directly to the utility providers on behalf of qualified customers. The fund is financed through the opt-in program. One-third of the available funds will go to the households with the lowest incomes. Older adults and people with disabilities will also be prioritized.

House Bill 414 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee by a vote of 19-0 and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A measure sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that seeks to remove barriers to getting hired by the state of Illinois for minorities and marginalized people passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

“Everybody deserves the same opportunity, no matter the color of their skin,” Belt said. “We need to continue the fight to end systemic racism, and this legislation gives equal opportunity to all candidates who hope to work for the state.”

The measure would require the Illinois Department of Central Management Services to identify policies that make it harder for minorities and marginalized people to get hired by the state of Illinois and to seek legislation to address systemic racism in the state’s hiring practices. Each state agency would also increase diversity on interview panels in order to better employment opportunities for women and minorities. In addition, the legislation encourages CMS and other state agencies to review current personnel policies to remove any and all language that is discriminatory from their books.

“This fight is far from over, but each step we take in the right direction leads us closer to ending systemic racism,” Belt said. “This measure is essential to removing the barriers minorities and marginalized people face during the hiring process to become a state employee.”

House Bill 3914 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a vote of 7-0 and now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

CENTREVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced that 38 local governments in St. Clair and Madison County will receive more than $5.9 million in the newest round of Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants. 

“I’m pleased to see funds being spent to improve transportation needs that will make a difference in people’s daily lives,” Belt said. “Investing in local governments improves our state as a whole.”

The funding is being distributed in an effort to ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, as well as create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Rebuild Illinois invests in our state’s transportation system, creates jobs and promotes economic growth,” Belt said. “This funding is necessary to put us back on track and help our local governments recover from the pandemic.”

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. Those interested can find a complete list of awards here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is highlighting a funding opportunity for area airports for improvement projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“I’m glad to see the state making these kinds of investments, and     I’m encouraging our local airport to apply,” Belt said. “This funding would help pay for maintenance and repairs that keep passengers safe, while boosting our local economy at the same time.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Rebuild Illinois program will provide $94 million in funding to      improve public airports throughout the state. Through a competitive grant process, airports may submit project proposals for updates, improvements, and extensions of their facilities.

Airports must be for public use and included in the Illinois Aviation System Plan to be eligible for the funding. Applications are due June 14 to be eligible for grants of up to $25 million.

Local area airports eligible for this funding are MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, located in Belleville and St. Louis Downtown Airport, located in Cahokia Heights.

Application information is available by visiting IDOT’s Airport Improvement Program page. Awards are anticipated to be announced later this year.