Centreville – With the State’s Rebuild Illinois program in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a $1.5 million shovel-ready construction project in downtown East St. Louis on Thursday.

“I’m pleased that the State is prioritizing the revitalization of historic landmarks in our community, like the Broadview Hotel,” Belt said. “This project will create hundreds of jobs downtown and will provide new and affordable housing and development to a city in need of investment in local infrastructure.”

Part of the statewide construction program that will support new development across Illinois, the project is set to renovate the historic former Broadview Hotel in downtown East St. Louis, to create transit-oriented affordable housing and commercial development.

EAST ST. LOUIS – As the 102nd General Assembly begins, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is honored to serve as the Senate Education Committee chair.

"I am excited and honored to be selected as the Senator Education Committee chair for the 102nd General Assembly," Belt said. "As the chair, I will ensure that our youth are getting the tools and resources they need to succeed.”

The Senate Education Committee is at the forefront of creating legislation for students in grades K-12 in public and private schools.

Belt served four years on the board of Cahokia Unit School District 187, including two years as board president. He created the Difference Makers Professional Organization, which is dedicated to strengthening young men's decision-making capabilities between ages 9 and 18. He also authored an educational children's book, "The Adventures of Nate the Gnat," to teach youth how to be safe, responsible people.

As Senate Education Committee chair, Belt wants to help develop students’ workforce skills from K-12 and create career and higher education paths for students transitioning out of high school.

O’FALLON – The Tiedemann House in O’Fallon is one of 12 Illinois sites added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced Wednesday.

“I’m pleased to hear the Tiedemann House has been recognized on a national scale for its architectural and historical value,” Belt said. “This beautiful home is a critical piece of the history of Illinois and the Metro East, and it’s an honor to finally see it added to the National Register of Historic Places.”

SPRINGFIELD – In order to dismantle systemic inequality, combat discrimination in the workplace and promote growth in underserved communities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) has sponsored legislation that seeks to eliminate barriers to economic access, equity and opportunity.

“Black Americans make up about one in nine workers, but they represent one in six front-line workers— they should have the same career opportunities as any other individual,” Belt said. “This legislation is part of a larger effort to level the playing field moving forward.” 

In order to eliminate historical economic disparities, the Senate passed a series of bills that addresses the third pillar of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ anti-racism agenda—economic access, equity and opportunity—which is made up of nine parts:

SPRINGFIELD – State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) announced a new law will require pharmaceutical and insurance companies to cap insulin prices for Illinois residents with diabetes starting Jan. 1, 2021.

“For years, pharmaceutical companies took advantage of the millions of Illinois residents who depend on insulin to live,” Belt (D-Centreville) said. “Because of the passage of Senate Bill 667, Illinois residents who need insulin will no longer be subjected to price gouging and other predatory practices.”

Senate Bill 667 will cap patients’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription insulin at $100 for a 30-day supply and requires the Departments of Insurance, Human Services, and Healthcare and Family Services to jointly issue an “insulin pricing report” to the public that details findings on insulin pricing practices and recommendations to control and prevent overpricing of prescription insulin drugs.

According to the American Diabetes Association, over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and approximately 7.4 million Americans depend on insulin. Around 1.3 million Illinois residents live with diabetes and rely on insulin to manage their blood sugar levels. Data has shown that insulin prices tripled between 2002 and 2013, which has led many patients to ration their insulin and sacrifice other daily needs to pay for insulin.

“Over the years, greedy drug companies have lined their pockets at the expense of people with diabetes, who rely on insulin for survival," Crowe said. “By capping the cost of insulin, Illinois is standing firmly with working families to put lives over profits.”

Illinois is the second state in the nation to cap out-of-pocket insulin costs at $100 per month for all patients using a state-regulated insurance plan.

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has allocated up to $1 million to help with flooding issues in Centreville, Alorton and East St. Louis, and State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is pleased that local homeowners will have a say in how the problems are tackled. 

“Families in the Metro-East deserve to have their homes and valuables secure from floods,” Belt said. “Flooding issues have been a continuous concern in the community and I am pleased to announce that local leaders can take advantage of this grant opportunity to provide long-term relief for community members.” 

MARYVILLE - To ensure local fire departments are prepared to protect residents, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are highlighting the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) Small Equipment Grant Program and encouraging fire departments to apply.

“Local fire departments are the first to respond to life-threatening emergencies, and to continue to do this extremely important job, they need the right equipment,” Belt said. “The Small Equipment Grant Program will offer the support our local fire departments deserve, which is why Sen. Crowe and I are urging them to apply.”   

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 for small firefighting and ambulance equipment. OSFM will award $3.3 million total to eligible fire departments and ambulance services.

“Downstate small fire protection districts often have difficulty funding purchases of personal protective equipment, such as masks, gowns and gloves,” Crowe said. “Especially right now, it’s critical that our firefighters are protected—this grant program can help our fire departments secure these essential items.”

Nearly all of Illinois’ fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments are eligible. Additionally, stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers are eligible to apply.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 29, 2021. For the application and additional information, visit OSFM’s website.

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation will host a series of free virtual workshops called the Building Blocks of Success, and State Senator Christopher Belt (D- Centreville) is encouraging businesses who want to participate in the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program to take advantage of the free opportunity.

“These workshops will be a great opportunity for businesses to choose what new skills they gain by targeting skills to meet the needs of their operation for now and in the future,” Belt said. “If you are small business owner, please do not miss out on the opportunity to become DBE certified.”