SPRINGFIELD – To enhance employment opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities in the state of Illinois, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) passed legislation in the Senate Wednesday to change the job interview process at state agencies.

“More diverse state agencies not only benefit our government and the people they serve, but they help create a more inclusive Illinois,” Belt said. “The workforce of state agencies should reflect our diversity.”

The measure would create the Equal Opportunity Employment Interview Initiative and require state agencies to implement hiring goals for certain target groups, including women, minorities and people with disabilities.

During a multiple stage or panel interview process, if an applicant has a disability or identifies as a minority, a woman, or bilingual, state agencies would have to assign an interviewer who represents the same group.

In addition, in an annual report to the governor and General Assembly, state agencies would be required to disclose:

• the number of interviewees from target groups,

• the number of interviews in which both the applicant and an interviewer were representative of the same target group, and

• the number of applicants from target groups who were hired under the Equal Opportunity Employment Interview Initiative.

“In Illinois, we want the best candidates to serve the residents of this state,” Belt said. “More diverse interviewers will ensure that we no longer overlook talented applicants who would make our government look a lot more like the citizens it serves.”

Senate Bill 1765 passed the Illinois Senate without opposition and now head to the Illinois House of Representatives for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) released the following statement in response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trail:

“We must acknowledge that since the inception of this nation, our justice system has and continues to fail millions of Black Americans each day. Collectively, we have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us. Although the system still doesn’t work for millions, this afternoon it worked for one. Today’s verdict is a testament to what we can accomplish when we stand together as the United States of America, when we make our voices heard and demand change, when we refuse to accept the status quo. While the promise of liberty and justice for all has yet to be fulfilled, today’s news represents the progress we have made toward a more just nation."

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would ensure all eligible employees are paid prevailing wage and create a more transparent Illinois Department of Labor passed committee on Wednesday.

The Prevailing Wage Act requires contractors and subcontractors to pay laborers, workers and mechanics employed on public works construction projects no less than the average rate for the same work in the county where the work takes place.

The initiative would require IDOL’s electronic database of payroll records to be listed by the middle of each month and searchable by the public, ensuring compliance with prevailing wage laws.

“The government shouldn’t be involved in underpaying construction employees,” Belt said. “We owe it to our local economies to create good paying jobs, and we owe it to the public to ensure government construction projects – especially on roads and bridges – are done right.”

Though IDOL is already required to maintain a database of payroll records to ensure workers are actually being paid the prevailing wage, Belt’s legislation would make it public.

“This added transparency will help ensure workers are being paid the prevailing wage they have earned,” Belt said.

Senate Bill 1767 passed the Senate Labor Committee with a vote of 12-5 and will now head to the Senate Floor for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly the United States, Illinois and prisoner of war/missing in action flags at all state parks passed committee on Wednesday.

“When these flags are flown, they become more than flags, they become a representation of our nation and state, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices brave service members gave to protect      the freedoms we all enjoy today,” Belt said.

The measure would require IDNR to fly a United States, Illinois      and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, the legislation would allow for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover the cost of implementation.

“In a time of division across our nation, this measure should help to unite us,” Belt said.

There are over 100 state parks across Illinois.

Senate Bill 2089 passed the Illinois Senate State Government Committee without opposition and is now headed to the Senate floor for further consideration.