EAST ST. LOUIS – As many teachers and students adapt to e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced schools in St. Clair and Madison Counties will receive over $2 million to provide the necessary resources to students who lack access to remote learning technology.

“E-learning has been difficult for many students in disadvantaged areas, who might not have access to the internet or a computer,” Belt said. “These grants will support schools’ efforts to make sure every student can actively participate in class, even from outside the classroom.”

MARYVILLE – To help provide much-needed resources to students learning remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, school districts in the 56th Illinois Senate District are set to receive more than $1.1 million in government funding to improve students’ access to e-learning technology.

“As teachers and students adjust to e-learning, many school districts are struggling with the cost of ensuring all students have access to a computer and an internet connection,” Crowe said. “I’m pleased to see the state is committed to relieving taxpayers of these additional costs.”

The Digital Equity Formula Grants, funded by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, are intended to help schools bridge the digital divide. School districts can use the funds to expand connectivity and provide students with devices like computers or tablets.

School districts in the 56th District receiving funds include:

• Bethalto CUSD #8 - $165,087
• Collinsville CUSD #10 - $378,231
• Alton CUSD #11 - $368,590
• East Alton Sd #13 - $67,916
• East Alton-Wood River CHSD #14 - $61,869
• Wood River-Hartford ESD #15 - $65,436

Funding was allocated using a need-based formula. The full list of school grantees can be found on the Illinois State Board of Education website.

CHICAGO – Wednesday, a grand jury indicted a former police officer involved in the March shooting of Breonna Taylor, but on charges of wanton endangerment. None of the three officers involved in the shooting were charged for Breonna’s death, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) is infuriated.

“This is one of the grossest acts of injustice I have seen in my lifetime. This decision made by the grand jury suggests that the walls of Breonna’s neighbors mattered more than her life. Further, this decision is proof that the system is deeply flawed, and so broken that there is no accountability for the people who murdered Breonna Taylor in her own home.

“So again, our cry, ‘Black Lives Matter,’ has fallen upon deaf ears. Again, we have seen those who are supposed to protect and serve take life and evoke fear. But we will not stay silent. We will keep marching, we will keep demanding equality, and protesting peacefully.

“And I will not stop fighting until there is no longer a need for hashtags for those who have lost their lives unjustly. Breonna Taylor’s life mattered, and I pray for peace for her family and loved ones.”

CHICAGO—Members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus spoke out Wednesday on news that a grand jury failed to indict three Louisville officers, Brett Hankison, Jonathan Mattingly and Myles Cosgrove, for killing Breonna Taylor in her sleep in March. Ex-police officer Brett Hankison was indicted on three counts of wanton endangerment, and the other officers face no charges.

State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford, ILBC Chair

“The charges are devastatingly unbefitting of Breonna Taylor’s tragic death. The sheer lack of accountability for the officers who killed Breonna is yet another clear example of how the justice system does not protect Black lives,” Lightford said. “We share the frustration and anger of our fellow community members and the activists who are tired of the rampant injustice in our justice system.