SPRINGFIELD – Civilians who have been arrested and were acquitted of charges would no longer be required to pay for their records to be expunged under a proposal by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that passed the Senate Criminal Law Committee Tuesday.

“Why should civilians have to pay for their records to be expunged if they were not found guilty?” Belt asked. “It seems as if we are punishing the people for even being arrested and continuing to create a barrier for these people to not be able to obtain employment.”

Read more: Belt demands fee waiver program for certain expungements

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) released the following statement regarding the governor’s State of the State address this afternoon:

“I am glad to see Gov. JB Pritzker’s top priorities will revise our state’s ethics procedures, early childhood education and provide property tax relief for residents throughout the state. Providing property tax relief will help people with their basic expenses and hopefully retain our residents.

Read more: Belt: Property tax relief will help retain our residents

CENTREVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) recently announced school districts in Cahokia and East St. Louis have received the Illinois State Board of Education Property Tax Relief Grant.

“This is the first step in creating long-term property tax relief for homeowners,” Belt said. “Taxes are a huge burden for Illinois residents, which is why I am pleased to announce that several communities in my district will benefit from this grant.”

Read more: Belt announces property tax relief for residents in Cahokia and East St. Louis

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was appointed as the new chairperson of the Illinois Senate’s Black Caucus Tuesday.

“Having the opportunity to be the Black Caucus Chairperson is truly an honor,” Belt said. “Being in this position gives me more encouragement to fight even harder for social equity across the state.”

Read more: Belt named Senate Black Caucus chair