SPRINGFIELD — Residents struggling to pay their gas or electric bills will not face life-threatening utility shutoffs on hot days thanks to an initiative supported by State Christopher Belt that was signed into law last Friday.

“This measure recognizes the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and individuals with health conditions,” said Belt. “There are many risks associated with extreme heat, and this aims to mitigate them, as well as prevent potential health and safety hazards.”

The new law prohibits a utility company from terminating gas or electric service due to nonpayment of bills on days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning for the location of the residence. Previously, disconnections were prohibited during temperatures 95 degrees or hotter and did not take into account humidity or heat index.

Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of heat-related illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat each year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself and can happen even if a person is sitting or lying in a hot room.

“As extreme heat becomes more frequent, we need to prioritize the welfare of residents and ensure access to essential utilities,” said Belt. “No person or family should be put in harm’s way during a heat wave due to their financial circumstances.”

House Bill 1541 will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

METRO EAST – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah announced their grand opening of an expanded terminal on Tuesday. Supported by State Senator Christopher Belt and other state and local officials, this is a transformative, $31 million multi-year project for the Metro East region.

“This is a big day for the Metro East. Whenever you can add terminals to an airport – that means growth and that’s what we want,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The airport will be better equipped to meet the growing demands of passengers, airlines and businesses, driving even more economic growth and bolstering regional development.”

For the last 25 years, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has been a popular travel choice for families in the Metro East and one of the busiest airports for travel in Illinois. The state-funded expansion will make the travel experience more convenient and comfortable for passengers flying through one of the state’s premier airports.

The MidAmerica St. Louis Airport terminal project expanded the existing 53,500-square-foot terminal by over 41,000square feet to meet the needs of the growing number of passengers at the airport. This project was made achievable through collaborative efforts of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which provided $7 million in grant funding, and the support of $24 million in federal funding.

“DCEO is committed to supporting the growth of our state’s multibillion-dollar aviation system across Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “The terminal expansion at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport will elevate the travel experience for Illinoisans and visitors alike while ensuring our state remains a premier travel destination with unmatched infrastructure.”

The state’s investments in the aviation system continue to bolster economic development across Illinois. The MidAmerica St. Louis Airport has an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion while the statewide aviation system produces a $95.5 billion annual economic impact.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will prohibit law enforcement from pulling a driver over for having an object hanging from their rearview mirror.  

“The number of traffic stops that have occurred just because of a small personal item hanging on their rearview mirror has been excessive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s time we eliminate this reasoning for being pulled over, as it has disproportionately affected specific communities.”

Previously, drivers could be pulled over for any objects hanging from the rearview mirror of their car such as decorations, disability placards, rosaries and car fresheners. House Bill 2389 clarifies that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of this violation.

“This law sends a powerful message that we will not tolerate racial profiling or other forms of discrimination in our state,” said Belt. “All drivers have rights and now, not being pulled over for displaying a personal item is one of them.”

House Bill 2389 was signed by the governor Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

SPRINGFIELD – With the governor’s signature Wednesday, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget will take effect July 1, and State Senator Christopher Belt emphasizes the key provisions of the budget that focus on public safety and infrastructure.

“There is a lot of focus on economic development and infrastructure in the budget, which demonstrates a steadfast commitment to the well-being and progress of our communities,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “From nearly $400 million to close major economic development deals and generating jobs, to designating $20 million to address food insecurity in disadvantaged areas, these investments will no doubt foster economic growth and promote vibrant communities in our region.”

Belt currently serves as chair of the Senate Appropriations – Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee and spent the spring legislative session continuing to ensure taxpayer dollars were being used wisely during budget conversations. Belt is also the southernmost Democrat in the Senate and made sure that downstate Illinois was not forgotten during these negotiations. He continued to push for investments in Illinois infrastructure, public safety and other important priorities over the last few months in Springfield.

“Public safety is another notable priority in the budget. Not only is there funding to equip law enforcement with the tools they need to effectively protect their communities, but there will be a second round of grants for the Reimagine Public Safety Act, which will help reduce gun violence in the state,” said Belt. “We are truly paving the way for a brighter future for all Illinois residents with all of the investments in the budget. This is a responsible, balanced plan and I am proud to support it.”

The FY 24 budget will take effect July 1.