Belt: Fly United States, Illinois and POW/MIA flags at state parks

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation introduced by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to fly the United States, Illinois and prisoner of war/missing in action flags at all state parks passed committee on Wednesday.

“When these flags are flown, they become more than flags, they become a representation of our nation and state, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices brave service members gave to protect      the freedoms we all enjoy today,” Belt said.

The measure would require IDNR to fly a United States, Illinois      and POW/MIA flag at all state parks within five years after it is signed into law. Additionally, the legislation would allow for groups and individuals to donate resources to the department’s Special Projects Fund to cover the cost of implementation.

“In a time of division across our nation, this measure should help to unite us,” Belt said.

There are over 100 state parks across Illinois.

Senate Bill 2089 passed the Illinois Senate State Government Committee without opposition and is now headed to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Belt initiative maintains Gateway as safety net hospital

SPRINGFIELD – An initiative sponsored by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would ensure Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City would maintain its status      as a safety net hospital was signed into law Friday.

“Illinois’ safety net hospitals are of vital importance to our community’s health and safety, especially during a pandemic,      “Belt said. “Gateway serves thousands of people each year, and ensuring that it maintains its status as a safety net hospital has      been one of my top priorities.”

In recent years, Gateway Regional Medical Center has been collaborating with neighboring Alton Memorial Hospital to preserve its behavioral health and obstetrician services through a realignment of services, with OB services being relocated to Alton Memorial. Unfortunately, due to this realignment, Gateway would not qualify as a safety net hospital, because it no longer provides OB services.

“Many patients served by safety net hospitals are uninsured,” Belt said. “These hospitals are the only place thousands of Illinoisans can go to receive medical care, and I put forward this initiative to protect them.”

In order to maintain its status as a safety net hospital, the initiative adds Gateway to a list of grandfathered safety net hospitals in the state.

“Nobody should be afraid to seek medical attention when they need it,” Belt said. “By signing this initiative into law, we’re ensuring that thousands of residents in the Granite City area will still have an affordable option.”

The new law, Senate Bill 1530 of the 101st General Assembly, takes effect immediately.belt

Belt announces local schools set to receive over $211 million

CENTREVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is announcing that school districts in the 57th District will receive an estimated $211.3 million in additional funding to help address the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As chairperson of the Senate Education Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the lengths schools have gone through to make sure students receive the best education possible during this health crisis,” Belt said. “This money will help not only students and their teachers get back to our new normal, but parents as well.”

The funding comes as part of the most recent federal COVID-19 relief packages. Schools, students and parents have overcome challenges that no one could have imagined before the pandemic began, including remote and hybrid learning, digital connection issues, new processes for receiving state and federal aid that normally flow through schools, and more.

Local school districts are set to receive the following estimated amounts:

Read more: Belt announces local schools set to receive over $211 million

Belt fights against child abuse

SPRINGFIELD – A measure introduced by State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) that would provide additional funding to prevent child abuse in Illinois passed committee Wednesday.

“Children are the most vulnerable members of our society,” Belt said. “We must do everything in our power to protect them from abuse and neglect.”

The measure would require the Department of Lottery to offer a special scratch-off game for child abuse prevention. Currently, Illinois has similar scratch-off games for veterans’ related issues, HIV/AIDS prevention and education, the Illinois Special Olympics and more.

“The Illinois lottery brings in millions of dollars each year in revenue,” Belt said. “We need to ensure that some of that money goes toward preventing child abuse in the state of Illinois.”

All of the revenue earned from the game would go to the Child Abuse Prevention Fund, which was created to provide grants to private social service organizations to help eliminate and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Senate Bill 2090 passed the Senate Executive Committee with a vote of 16-0 and will now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.