EAST ST. LOUS – To help slow the spread of the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt urges residents to wear a mask and continue to social distance.

“If residents do not do their part in protecting themselves and other community members, we will not be able to stop the amount of people who get the virus,” Belt said. “Residents need to continue to wear a mask and properly social distance to keep ourselves and loved ones safe.”

MARYVILLE – To patronize small businesses during the pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are encouraging Metro East residents to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses.

“The money you spend at a local business stays within our town and community, fostering our local economies,” Belt said. “This holiday season, I urge residents to shop locally to help support our local businesses during this difficult time and encourage economic growth in our community.”

“As the holiday season approaches, I want to remind residents of the special, unique services and gifts the Metro East small business community provides,” Crowe said. “By supporting small businesses, we can help our friends and neighbors in this difficult time while investing in our local economies.”

EAST ST. LOUIS - To expand high-speed internet access to more households and businesses in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced $50 million in matching grants is now available in the second round of the Connect Illinois program. 

"Connect Illinois is the largest broadband expansion grant program in the country, and it has the potential to make a huge difference to our community," Belt said. "Roughly 177 Metro East households will receive internet access thanks to the first round of grants. I urge eligible applicants to apply for this second round to expand the number of homes and businesses that can benefit from this historic program.”  

EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to increase state contracting opportunities for Black vendors, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) spoke Friday about the importance of creating new standards that ensure agencies are practicing fair contracting.   

“Black Americans are struggling to secure opportunities in supplier diversity, no matter the industry,” Belt said. “Illinois’ goal is to decrease disparities for all businesses of color by increasing sustainability and providing them a fair share of local, state, and federal contracting.”