CENTREVILLE – Each year, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources selects schools across the state to receive grants for field trips. This year, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is congratulating St. John the Baptist School in Smithton on being selected as a winner.

“I am incredibly grateful that the students at St. John the Baptist School were chosen for this opportunity,” Belt said. “This program offers students an excellent chance to expand their learning outside of the classroom.”

COLLINSVILLE – With Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center once again open to visitors, State Senator Chris Belt (D-Centreville) is encouraging residents to reserve an appointment before visiting the center.

“Cahokia Mounds is a historic staple of the Metro East and St. Louis area,” Belt said. “With spring just around the corner, now is a perfect time to plan a safe trip to one of the area’s oldest attractions.”

The Cahokia Mounds Museum Society is a not-for-profit organization created in 1976 to support the historic site. Within the more than 2,000-acre site lies the preserved archaeological remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico.

Often referred to as the Cahokia Mounds Museum, the Interpretive Center highlights the archaeological and anthropological research that has taken place since the site’s discovery, with the goal of informing and educating the public through its exhibits, programs and special events.

“If you haven’t visited Cahokia Mounds, you’re missing out,” Belt said. “We have the remains of an ancient civilization right here in our backyard, not many people can say that. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot a walking when you visit.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources operated site is located 7 miles from East St. Louis in Collinsville and is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

Visitors should call 618-346-5160 to schedule an appointment time for free admission to the site’s Interpretive Center.  Appointment times are available each Thursday through Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. with the last appointment time at 4 p.m.

For additional facts and information on the state historic site, visit cahokiamounds.org.

CENTREVILLE – As Illinois’ vaccination efforts continue, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is highlighting a state partnership with Touchette Regional Hospital to ensure equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in St. Clair County.

“My top priority always has been, and will continue to be, the assurance that the underserved communities in the 57^th District have access to this vaccine,” Belt said. “The partnership with Touchette Hospital will not only provide that access, but also the trust needed to reduce residents’ reluctance to receive the vaccine.”

The new partnership between the state and Touchette Regional Hospital will help ensure that underserved communities, which have been the hardest hit by COVID-19 have access to the vaccine. The program also aims to reduce vaccine hesitancy in underserved areas by providing residents the ability to receive vaccines more quickly from trusted providers.

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.