ISDC
  • Home
  • Senators
    • Alphabetical
    • Committees
    • Leadership
    • Find My Senator
  • Caucus News
    • ILBC Committee Roundup
    • Subscribe
    • Majority Report
  • Issues
    • Agriculture
    • Budget
    • Business
    • Criminal Law
    • Diabetes
    • Economic Development
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Ethics
    • Health
    • Higher Education
    • Law Enforcement
    • Seniors
    • Transportation
    • Veterans
  • Multimedia
    • Monthly Minute
    • Photo of the Day
    • Sound of the State
  • Resources
    • Bills / Resolutions
    • Fact Sheets
    • For Educators
    • I Like Illinois
    • Illinois Compiled Statutes
    • Illinois General Assembly
    • Internships
    • Media Guidelines
    • NCSL
    • Senate Schedule
  • About the Senate
  • Contact Us
    • How to contact a Senator
    • Employment
    • Submit Feedback
  • ILBC Pillars
    • Pillar 1
    • Pillar 2
    • Pillar 3
    • Pillar 4
  • COVID-19

Belt-backed law to cap the price of insulin

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Monday, August 07, 2023 01:00 PM
  • Belt
  • HB2189
  • Insulin Costs

belt 051723 2SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a new law to cap its price at $35.

“Insulin is essential for individuals with diabetes to properly manage their condition,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Capping the price of insulin ensures that people can afford it without facing financial hardships.”

Under this new law, the price of a 30-day supply of insulin will be capped at $35 for all private individual and group insurance policies.

More than 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes according to the diabetes research institute. One in 12 Illinoisans have insulin-dependent diabetes.  According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the cost of insulin has risen 600% in the last 20 years. Americans pay 10 times than that of citizens of 32 other nations—$98.70 on average compared to $8.81.

“Insulin costs have increased significantly in recent years, despite there being little change to the production process,” said Belt. “This law will help protect patient’s well-being by ensuring that access to this life-saving medication is both consistent and affordable.” 

House Bill 2189 was signed on Friday and goes into effect July 1, 2025.

Belt measure to increase accountability of housing authorities signed into law

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Friday, July 07, 2023 03:05 PM
  • Belt
  • Affordable Housing
  • SB1367

belt hsing 070723SPRINGFIELD – A new law led by State Senator Christopher Belt will increase transparency and accountability in the operation of housing authorities in the state.

“Everyone should have access to affordable housing. No one should have to question whether they will have a roof over their heads to protect them and their families,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “With more accurate wait list information, we can streamline the housing application processes and promote fair and equitable access to affordable housing opportunities.”

A housing authority is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Programs include housing choice voucher programs and public housing. This new law changes the Housing Authorities Act, requiring that every housing authority collect data on the number of vacant rental units within each housing project, as well as information on whether each wait list maintained by the authority is open or closed.

“Over 224,000 people rely on housing assistance in the state, which includes a large number of my constituents in the 57th District,” said Belt. “It’s only right that these housing authorities start providing this crucial information. This will build a stronger, more transparent housing system that meets the needs of Illinois residents using this assistance.”

Senate Bill 1367 was signed Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Belt law to make amusement parks safer

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Wednesday, July 05, 2023 02:43 PM
  • Belt
  • HB3097
  • Amusement Park Safety

Belt 032423CM0844SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt is making amusement rides and attractions safer for families, thanks to a new law that will require amusement parks to have at least one staff member qualified to administer CPR.

“This law will enhance safety standards and ensure the well-being of visitors at amusement parks statewide,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It is important that we acknowledge the need for effective emergency response in high-risk environments and that we implement policies that will ensure the safety of our community members and state visitors.”

Read more: Belt law to make amusement parks safer

Belt measure to address teacher shortage signed into law

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Friday, June 30, 2023 01:54 PM
  • Belt
  • Education
  • Teacher Shortage
  • HB3801

Sen. Christopher Belt

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois has faced a teacher shortage in recent years, which encouraged State Senator Christopher Belt to champion a new law to address this ongoing issue.

“As an advocate for quality education and the well-being of our students, I am always looking for ways to confront issues that negatively affect our state’s schools,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We should be attracting educators to our schools, not pushing them away. They deserve more from us.”

The new law will provide retention bonuses of $4,000 per year, for two consecutive years to teachers who are National Board Certified and are employed in hard-to-staff schools. A hard-to-staff school is a public school that no less than 30% of the student enrollment is considered low-income. Becoming a National Board Certified teacher is a career continuum for those who start in pre-service teacher preparation, leading aspiring teachers to pursue and achieve National Board Certification.

Read more: Belt measure to address teacher shortage signed into law

Belt applauds expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. at St. Louis Downtown Airport

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 12:02 PM
  • Belt
  • Blue Collar Jobs Act
  • DCEO
  • Metro East
  • Expansion
  • Gulfstream

belt gulfstream 062123CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – State Senator Christopher Belt joined Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity on Tuesday in announcing the expansion of Gulfstream’s operations St. Louis Downtown Airport, enabling the company to increase completions and outfitting operations while investing in modernization at its Cahokia Heights location.

“This expansion of Gulfstream adds to the growth the Metro East area is continuing to see,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We are staying on top of the game by meeting the demands of the growing region, while leaving a positive impact for the aviation and aerospace industry and workforce.”

Read more: Belt applauds expansion of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. at St. Louis Downtown Airport

New Belt-supported law prevents utility shutoffs in extreme heat

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Thursday, June 15, 2023 04:13 PM
  • Belt
  • Extreme Heat
  • Utility Shutoffs
  • HB1541

heat no AC 061523SPRINGFIELD — Residents struggling to pay their gas or electric bills will not face life-threatening utility shutoffs on hot days thanks to an initiative supported by State Christopher Belt that was signed into law last Friday.

“This measure recognizes the urgent need to safeguard vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and individuals with health conditions,” said Belt. “There are many risks associated with extreme heat, and this aims to mitigate them, as well as prevent potential health and safety hazards.”

The new law prohibits a utility company from terminating gas or electric service due to nonpayment of bills on days when the forecasted temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or above, or when the National Weather Service issues a heat watch, advisory or warning for the location of the residence. Previously, disconnections were prohibited during temperatures 95 degrees or hotter and did not take into account humidity or heat index.

Older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk of heat-related illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people in the U.S. die from extreme heat each year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body is unable to properly cool itself and can happen even if a person is sitting or lying in a hot room.

“As extreme heat becomes more frequent, we need to prioritize the welfare of residents and ensure access to essential utilities,” said Belt. “No person or family should be put in harm’s way during a heat wave due to their financial circumstances.”

House Bill 1541 will go into effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Belt celebrates grand opening of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport’s expanded terminal

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 03:11 PM
  • Belt
  • DCEO
  • Metro East
  • MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

belt 061323METRO EAST – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport in Mascoutah announced their grand opening of an expanded terminal on Tuesday. Supported by State Senator Christopher Belt and other state and local officials, this is a transformative, $31 million multi-year project for the Metro East region.

“This is a big day for the Metro East. Whenever you can add terminals to an airport – that means growth and that’s what we want,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The airport will be better equipped to meet the growing demands of passengers, airlines and businesses, driving even more economic growth and bolstering regional development.”

 

Read more: Belt celebrates grand opening of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport’s expanded terminal

Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

Details
Category: Senator Christopher Belt News
Friday, June 09, 2023 02:36 PM
  • Belt
  • Law Enforcement
  • HB 2389
  • Rearview Mirror

belt airfresh 060923

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a new law that will prohibit law enforcement from pulling a driver over for having an object hanging from their rearview mirror.  

“The number of traffic stops that have occurred just because of a small personal item hanging on their rearview mirror has been excessive,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “It’s time we eliminate this reasoning for being pulled over, as it has disproportionately affected specific communities.”

Previously, drivers could be pulled over for any objects hanging from the rearview mirror of their car such as decorations, disability placards, rosaries and car fresheners. House Bill 2389 clarifies that vehicles cannot be stopped or searched by a law enforcement officer solely on the basis of this violation.

Read more: Belt measure to reduce unnecessary traffic stops signed by governor

More Articles …

  1. Belt secures tax credits and exemptions for aircraft engines, EV manufacturers
  2. Belt pushes for boosting electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy investments
  3. Senate approves Belt measure to ensure fair compensation for teachers
  4. Belt champions measure to address teacher shortage
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10

Page 4 of 26

Follow ILSenDems

Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube

Sign up for the Majority Report

Laws Going Into Effect 2025

Employment Opportunities

Find Your Senator

Senate Schedule

Bills & Resolutions

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

phone(217) 782-2728

phone309 State House
Springfield, IL 62706

Senate Floor, Illinois State Capitol, Springfield, IL

Senate President Don Harmon © 2025 Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus
FacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube
CHICAGO OFFICE

phone(312) 814-2075

phone160 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 720
Chicago, IL 60601