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.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – As wage gaps, workplace inequities, and unfair practices against people of color continues in Illinois, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) supports the decision of ensuring fair wages for Black workers after a committee hearing on Thursday.

“Income inequality and reluctant growth in the workers’ rights for low- and moderate-income Illinoisans have become defining features of our society,” Belt said. “Eliminating the wage gaps would provide much-needed income to people of color, whose wages sustain their households.”

EAST ST. LOUIS — To address ongoing concerns of workplace inequities and unfair practices against minorities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and his colleagues will discuss wage equity, workers’ rights and consumer protection during a committee hearing Thursday.

“Income inequality and reluctant growth in the workers’ rights for low- and moderate-income Illinoisans have become defining features of our society,” Belt said. “Eliminating the wage gaps would provide much-needed income to people of color whose wages sustain their households.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – As people of color continue to face barriers when trying to enter the Illinois workforce, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) says businesses must be encouraged to recognize the benefits of a diverse staff.

“Companies need to understand the value of recruiting and retaining diverse employees, as these workers play a vital role in a company’s ability to adapt, grow and sustain a competitive advantage,” Belt said. “We must continue to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce and promote equity for all racial backgrounds.”

On Tuesday, the Senate Executive, Commerce and Economic Development, Transportation, and State Government Committees held a joint hearing to discuss diversity in procurement, Business Enterprise Programs, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policies, and labor unions. The following issues were some of the biggest focal points:

• Increasing participation in trade unions, getting card carrying members into jobs, getting people out of the apprenticeship’s programs and into jobs, identifying community-based organizations that can serve as pre-apprenticeship practitioners
• Increasing pre-apprenticeship programs that are tied directly to unions
• Identifying barriers for potential applicants

Tuesday’s hearing was part of a series of discussions prompted by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus on eliminating systemic racism in the state. There was another hearing on Tuesday, and the next hearing will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. covering age equity, workers’ rights, and consumer protection. 

To view virtual committee proceedings, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will become available when proceedings begin.

EAST ST. LOUIS — As diversity and inclusion continues to be an issue for people of color, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and other Illinois legislators will discuss diversity in procurement, Business Enterprise Programs and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise policies, and Labor Unions. 

“Companies need to understand the value of recruiting and retaining diverse employees, as these workers play a vital role in a company’s ability to adapt, grow and sustain a competitive advantage,” Belt said. “We must continue to encourage businesses to recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce and promote equity for all racial backgrounds.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – In order to remove the growing concerns of procedural fairness in all industries for people of color, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) says equity in food access, agriculture, cannabis and technology needs to further addressed. 

“Accessing healthy food is still a challenge for many families, particularly those living in low-income neighborhoods, communities of color and rural areas,” Belt said. “Food insecurity has heavily increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and the issue needs to be further addressed.” 

On Friday, the Senate Executive, Commerce and Economic Development, and Agriculture Committees held a joint hearing on equity in food access, agriculture, cannabis and technology. The discussion focused on increasing access to healthier foods in food deserts, threats to agricultural lands, equity in rural, suburban and urban farming, and equity in the cannabis industry.

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) expressed his support for Thursday’s joint committee hearing on increasing diversity in labor unions, apprenticeship programs and the workforce.

“Diversity and inclusion are essential in creating a well-rounded, productive, successful labor force,” Belt said. “Labor unions and apprenticeship programs are enormously helpful to workers entering the industry. When we expand these services to reach people of color, it can enable more Illinoisans to find good-paying, lifelong careers.”