SPRINGFIELD— State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would strengthen prevailing wage rules to help workers receive higher pay.

“This important safeguard will help workers get a fair deal for their labor,” said Belt (D-Swansea).  “We’re closing a loophole that left many workers getting the short end of the stick because that’s not what we’re about here in Illinois.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would eliminate the licensing requirements for hair braiders in Illinois.

“It is common sense to eliminate unnecessary licensing requirements for hair braiders,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Illinois is one of the few states that imposes these stiff requirements, and it’s time we get out of the way and allow individuals to practice their craft and earn a living without unnecessary barriers."

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt scored a win for Metro East manufacturing and labor with the passage of his bill to enhance career and technical education opportunities.

“If we want to bring back and build up manufacturing in the Metro East, we need to build the labor pool,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Career and technical education can help a young person create a stable career, leading to a stable family and ultimately a stable Metro East.”

Senate Bill 58 would expand a current program that is successful in other parts of the state to the Metro East. The program allows manufacturing companies to partner with local community colleges and high schools to set up technical training programs that would translate directly into a job. This creates a targeted labor pool that connects prospective workers with the manufacturers in their community.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt stood alongside his colleagues to highlight a measure that would simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students at a press conference Thursday.

“High school seniors and community college transfer students already have enough on their plates,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The last thing they need is a complicated college application process filled with extra fees, paperwork and delays.”

Senate Bill 2448 would grant automatic admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the direct admissions program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt is highlighting nearly $1 million in grant funding to the East Side Health District.

“Securing this funding for the East Side Health District is a proud moment in our continued effort to advance public health, clean energy and workforce development,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The work we’ve done with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is just beginning, and with initiatives like these, we are ensuring that communities in the Metro East are not left behind.”

The East Side Health District received a significant boost in their mission to improve public health and the environment by advancing clean energy and workforce development, securing approximately $1 million to implement energy efficiency measures and expand solar energy initiatives across its six health clinics, serving Stites, Canteen, East St. Louis and Cahokia Heights—areas recognized as environmental justice communities. The Equitable Energy Future Grant Program is funded through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which Belt supported in 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing. 

“A lot of kids grow up thinking that college is the only option to be successful, and while a four-year degree is great, there are plenty of high-paying jobs in the manufacturing industry that young people may not know about,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “For many jobs, kids might become interested because of a parent or family member, and we want to open the door for other youth without similar experiences. Further, for kids who may already be interested in technical education, this bill would give them the experience they need to get a job right away.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students.

“To keep more students in our state for college, we have to make the application process as seamless as possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We have done a lot of work on the admission process in Illinois in recent years, and this measure is another step in the right direction.”

Senate Bill 2448 would reduce barriers for students by offering direct admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure to enhance early literacy education for students in kindergarten through third-grade.

“It’s so important that kids receive early intervention if they are having difficulties reading,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The earlier a student is identified as potentially struggling with reading, the sooner intervention and support can start for the student.”

The Illinois State Board of Education created and adopted a Comprehensive Literacy Plan in 2024. The plan acts as a roadmap to enhance and unify core literacy instruction efforts statewide. It is designed to outline necessary supports and resources for literacy reform, ensuring all students receive developmentally appropriate and evidence-based literacy instruction. The purpose of Belt’s measure is to ensure kindergarten through third-grade students receive regular screenings for potential reading difficulties so those needing additional support can be identified early on and receive intervention.