EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications are live for the Small Equipment Grant Program through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are encouraging local fire departments in the Metro East to apply.

“This program gives eligible departments the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Thanks to the small equipment grants, fire departments will be able to provide better service to residents and families in our community, and I urge Metro East facilities to apply.”

OSFM will award $1.5 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for vital equipment purchases.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – With support from State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $90.5 million in state and local highway road improvements for the 57th District.

“The Rebuild Illinois capital program has made lasting, positive improvements to the state, and the work is just getting started,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Investing in the Metro East’s transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under the Rebuild Illinois program, officials in the 57th District are scheduled to begin 26 infrastructure projects totaling an estimated $90,551,000 in Fiscal Year 2023.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – To improve infrastructure and create jobs for residents, State Senator Christopher Belt announced the Village of Fairmont City as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The $1.27 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways and improve existing infrastructure.”

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EAST ST. LOUIS – With support from State Senator Christopher Belt, Illinois has enacted a 10-day tax holiday on school supplies starting today, Aug. 5 through 14, and working families and teachers can expect to have reduced shopping costs ahead of the upcoming school year.

“Lowering the tax rate on school supplies for families and educators removes a burden when trying to prepare students for the academic year,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The tax holiday will help relieve residents of some financial costs due to inflation.”

The law lowers the state tax rate on school supplies and eligible clothes and footwear from 6.25% down to 1.25% for 10 days from Aug. 5 to Aug. 14, 2022.

“I encourage residents to take advantage of the savings and consider shopping at locally-owned businesses whenever possible,” said Belt.

Public Act 102-0700 took effect on April 19, 2022 and was fully implemented with the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget on July 1, 2022.