EAST ST. LOUIS - To increase the testing capacity for downstate residents, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced a new COVID-19 testing facility will open in East St. Louis at Jackie Joyner Kersee Center on Wednesday, May 6 with drive-thru and walk-up services.

“It’s vital that every community has direct access to a testing facility to help treat, isolate or hospitalize people who are infected,” said Belt. “I am happy that East St. Louis residents and the rest of the Metro East are receiving easier access to testing to ensure a strong recovery of the downstate communities.” 

EAST ST. LOUIS –  Following the announcement of many state parks reopening, and Frank Holten State Recreation Area not being on that list, State Senator Christopher Belt (D- Centreville) joined fellow downstate Democrats in sending a letter to the governor urging him to work with the legislature to reopen several recreational areas that were not reopened. 

“With many residents starting to feel lonely and stressed during the stay at home order, reopening a local park could give them something to do outside that would ease those feelings,” Belt said. “I understand sanitary procedures need to be in place before reopening the park, but with proper social distancing and use of face masks, Frank Holten State Recreation Area should be reopened.” 

If Frank Holten State Recreation Area were to reopen, it could provide many residents with an avenue to occasionally escape the confines of their homes, Belt urged. 

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is reminding residents that independent contractors and employees in the “gig economy” can apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

“Entrepreneurs can receive much needed assistance during this financially difficult time,” Belt said. “The assistance will help people affected reduce some of their financial hardship and provide them with unemployment benefits.” 

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure a complete count of Illinois residents in the upcoming census, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) hosted an informational event regarding the 2020 Census at East St. Louis Community College Center on Wednesday.

"One way to reach hard-to-count areas is to inform residents about the importance of being counted," Belt said. "Most people are not aware that if they are not counted, millions of dollars in funding for our schools and hospitals is at risk."

Belt partnered with State Representative Latoya Greenwood and the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) to host the event.

DHS discussed how the census will impact the community and how residents can make sure family and friends are counted. They also explained the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA).

GATA makes it easier for prospective grant applicants to get information on the state’s selection of grant recipients and use of grant funds.

"I was glad to give residents the opportunity to learn more about how the state awards grants at this event,” Belt said. “Small businesses were able to get insight into how to apply for additional support to help their business succeed."

SPRINGFIELD – To increase employment opportunities for women, minorities and people with disabilities, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is sponsoring a measure to change the job interview process at state agencies.

“Agencies must keep diversity in mind when they interview job candidates,” Belt said. “People tend to hire candidates that look like them. That means one-dimensional interview panels are far less likely to create a diverse workplace.”

Senate Bill 3214 would create the Equal Opportunity Employment Interview Initiative and require state agencies to implement hiring goals for certain target groups, including women, minorities and people with disabilities.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois residents who have been awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal would be able to receive special license plates under an initiative sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville).

“It’s important that we recognize these officers’ commendable service, and allowing the Secretary of State to issue these special plates is one way we can show our thanks,” Belt said. “These officers put their lives on the line for our country. It would be an honor for the State of Illinois to be able to give them this small token of our appreciation.”

CENTREVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) recently announced school districts in Cahokia and East St. Louis have received the Illinois State Board of Education Property Tax Relief Grant.

“This is the first step in creating long-term property tax relief for homeowners,” Belt said. “Taxes are a huge burden for Illinois residents, which is why I am pleased to announce that several communities in my district will benefit from this grant.”

The Property Tax Relief Grant helps school districts with high tax rates relative to other school districts with an opportunity to lower the property tax burden on local taxpayers with the state replacing a portion of foregone tax revenue with state funds.

The amount the school districts receive will be included in future calculations of those districts.

School districts receiving Property Tax Relief Grant:

• Cahokia Community Unit School District 187
• East St. Louis School District 189

More information on the Property Tax Relief Grant and a listing of each eligible school district can be found at www.ISBE.net/proptaxrelief.