Belt and Pritzker speak on Criminal Justice reform

EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor JB Pritzker Thursday to speak about the comprehensive criminal justice reform package signed into law last month.

“Although these reforms should have happened long ago, this is still a remarkable first step in creating fundamental change in our state,” Belt said. “I’d like to thank the governor for visiting the 57th District to show his support for this landmark legislation in communities that will feel the effects of this legislation most.”

Following months of public testimony in numerous Senate committee hearings, the new law was written in the months following the tragic death of George Floyd and in response to the nationwide calls to address structural racism in the United States.

Belt, along with other members of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus, created a four-pillar policy approach to address the issue. The four pillars resulted in legislation to address criminal justice, health, education, and economic access– which was sponsored by Belt.

“This law will lead to increased accountability and transparency for law enforcement,” Belt said. “I’m proud that Illinois has taken this step toward justice and progress.”

The provisions of the law include better police training and accountability, a ban on the use of chokeholds, increased training in crisis intervention and more mental health screening for officers. “The law also replaces Illinois’ cash bail system, which often traps the poor in jail, with a pretrial detention system based on risk of flight and danger to the community.”

The measure was signed into law late last month. Many provisions will phase in over time or be enacted after a transitional period in the coming years. Body cameras for law enforcement will become mandatory by 2025. Additionally, bail reforms take effect January 2023.

Belt highlights state plan to expand vaccine access in St. Clair County

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 57th 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.

“I’m grateful for any additional support the state can offer during this pandemic,” Belt said. “The faster we get these vaccines into arms, the faster we can go back to some level of normalcy.”

The state will provide Touchette Regional Hospital with approximately 300-500 vaccine doses per week, in addition to the allocated doses the state distributes to existing health care partners in the district. Vaccines are available by appointment only.

To find additional information about vaccine availability, including locations and eligibility, visit www.coronavirus.Illinois.gov.

Belt announces a $1.5 million project for East St. Louis

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.

“This building has been a historic landmark in our community for nearly 100 years,” Belt said. “I look forward to seeing this building and the rest of downtowns’ renewal in the years to come.”

Now registered as a national historic place, the Broadview Hotel was completed nearly 100 years ago, in 1927. In its early years, the hotel was the city's largest and finest hotel, providing luxury rooms and amenities, and doubling as a regional and statewide convention and meeting venue.

The Broadview Hotel is also an excellent example of hotel design and construction in the St. Louis region in the 1920s. Designed and engineered by Arthur J. Widmer for Widmer Engineering Company, the building embodies modern urban hotel planning.

The project is being funded by Rebuild Illinois, the state’s 5-year statewide construction program. You can visit the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's website for updates on this and future Rebuild Illinois projects.

Belt is joined by governor to tour Belleville mass vaccination site

BELLEVILLE – With Illinois’ vaccination efforts in full swing, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) was joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker Thursday to tour a Metro East mass vaccination site located in the Belle-Clair fairgrounds. 

“Eventually more than a thousand people who live in the Metro East will be able to roll up their sleeves for their vaccination shot, thanks to this site,” Belt said. “As more vaccines are brought into our state, this number will only grow, and I believe sites like these will be key to ending this public health crisis.”

Read more: Belt is joined by governor to tour Belleville mass vaccination site