EAST ST. LOUIS – To support the state’s ongoing pandemic response, the U.S. Department of Labor established two new grants that will create close to 1,300 jobs throughout Illinois. State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Friday both St. Clair and Madison County will be awarded close to $1.7 million. 

“As a result of this pandemic, many unemployed people have been without work and have even considered changing careers. This is why an investment to recruit, train, and hire is so vital in supporting our state’s pandemic response,” Belt said. “I am proud to see that both St. Clair and Madison County will benefit from these grants to create job opportunities for local residents.” 

EAST ST. LOUIS – As the deadline to complete the 2020 census quickly approaches, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is hosting a school supplies giveaway and census drive on Saturday, Sept 12, to help more families get counted.   

"Residents in the community need to understand the amount of resources and federal funding that are put at risk if they are not counted," Belt said. "This is the last month to fill out the 2020 Census and it’s important every person is counted. I hope families come out to receive school supplies for the upcoming semester and also get counted to ensure we have all the funding we need for the next 10 years."

EAST ST. LOUIS  – With so many residents looking for employment opportunities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is encouraging people to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions. 

“As we prepare for the winter season, IDOT is now accepting applications for snow removal positions. These positions are vital in keeping our roads safe for pedestrians and drivers,” Belt said. “Many workers are struggling to find employment, and this could be their chance to find a job that will last through the winter.”  

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – In response to new mitigation efforts released by the governor’s office surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic in the Metro East region, State Sens. Christopher Belt, D-Centreville, Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon, and State Reps. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, issued the following statement Tuesday:

“The safety and wellness of residents of the Metro East and across Illinois will always remain our number-one priority. As we have continued to talk with local residents, families, business owners and employees, the damage caused by the coronavirus is very evident and is not solely on the physical health of those around us. Many small and family-owned businesses across the region have suffered tremendously and have been forced to make very difficult decisions in order to keep their doors open.