SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development Teacher Apprenticeship Program, including nearly $500,000 for McKendree University.

“Teachers and paraprofessionals are what make schools valuable, and our students cannot afford to see more declines in the profession,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The JTED Teacher Apprenticeship Program is an amazing approach to recruit future educators. Not only will it help individuals in their professional life, it gives students qualified and reliable educators, too.”

The JTED Teacher Apprenticeship Program is creating pilot programs throughout the state to upscale currently employed paraprofessional educators. Educator preparation providers will lead these pilot programs with partnerships from local education and workforce agencies. McKendree University, located in Belt’s district, is set to receive $499,900 for the program.

SWANSEA – To promote resources available to small businesses and hear from local owners and entrepreneurs, State Senator Christopher Belt is accepting applications to tour shops, restaurants and other establishments in the 57^th Senate District.

“There are many local businesses in the Metro East that provide great services, but are often overlooked,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I want to show my support, uplift owners and promote these amazing small businesses to let residents know the importance of supporting them.”

Applications are open, and interested business owners can find the application here. The program will start in the coming weeks and Belt requests that businesses submit their applications soon. Once an application is received, a member of Belt’s team will respond with additional details.

Those with questions can contact Belt’s office at 618-416-2452 or visit SenatorBelt.com.

SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that 25 school districts across the area will receive over $12 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years.

“Evidence-based funding makes a world of difference in school districts that are in more disadvantaged areas,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “When we take into account data-driven strategies, we are able to provide adequate funding to the schools that need it most, giving all students, regardless of their background, a fair shot at quality education.”

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number of special education or English language learners, among other factors.

SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will identify and correct inequities some individuals face when seeking loans, mortgages or other financial services.

“Unfair lending practices undermine the financial stability of our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This new law is the first step toward enacting stronger protections to ensure every borrower is treated with fairness and respect.”

The new law builds off previous legislation that incentives state-regulated financial institutions to meet the financial service needs of areas where there is a lack of access to affordable banking, credit for small businesses, reasonable interest rates, mortgages and other lending services.

Under the law, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation would be required to conduct studies to identify areas in Illinois that show significant disparities in relation to race, ethnicity, gender and other protected characteristics in the area of financial services. The law will also identify policies and procedures that may have discriminatory effects on underserved communities.

“There is no good reason that people are being denied basic banking and financial services, and we cannot continue to let this happen,” said Belt. “I will always be a strong advocate for economic equity, ensuring every resident in the state has the opportunity to succeed.”

Senate Bill 3235 was signed into law on Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.