EAST ST. LOUIS - To save older adults a trip to a Secretary of State’s office, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is notifying drivers 75 and older with a license that expires in 2020 that its expiration date has been extended for one year.

“Giving residents who are 75 years of age or older the option to renew their license a year later will prevent them from worrying about exposure to Covid-19, while visiting a driver’s facility,” Belt said. “Extending the expiration date gives older adults an opportunity for a safer visit in the future.” 

CENTREVILLE — To increase awareness of economic development in underserved communities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Madison will receive a grant through the Fast-Track Public Infrastructure Capital program. 

“Communities that are disadvantaged needed financial assistance long before the pandemic, which is why this investment is so vital for economic inclusion,” Belt said. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker for continuing to prioritize communities with the greatest needs.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – With so many small business owners facing economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced 25 local businesses will receive a combined $430,000 through the Business Interruption Grant program.

“I’m glad to see many local small businesses took advantage of this grant opportunity to receive some financial relief from this pandemic,” Belt said “I understand it will take more than a grant for many of these businesses to fully recover. However, this is still a great step in helping the regrowth of these businesses.”

Lawmakers concerned by low response rates in St. Clair County

EAST ST. LOUIS – With time running out to count households and St. Clair county recording low response rates, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) encourage Metro East residents to complete the 2020 Census. 

“We have to fill out the census before it's too late,” Belt said. “This simple action determines so much about the resources provided to our community. This is the first step in solving injustices, in public health, racial equity and even law enforcement. The Census Bureau needs the most accurate data in order to help us help ourselves.”

“To ensure our region is counted efficiently and allotted the necessary federal aid, every household is responsible for completing the census,” Crowe said. “If your household has responded, you can help by talking to your family members, friends and neighbors about how simple it is. It takes minutes to complete and makes a difference in our communities for years to come.”

Seven municipalities in St. Clair County and one in Madison County have a rate of 49.9% or lower on the statewide response rate list. The cities and villages included by name and rate listed are:

• Washington Park – 31.4%
• Brooklyn – 39.1%
• Venice (Madison County) – 41.9%
• Alorton – 43.1%
• East St. Louis – 44.2%
• Centreville – 49.4%
• Fairmont City – 49.7%
• Cahokia – 49.9%

Residents can complete the census for their household at www.my2020census.gov.