Senators pleased by coordinated flood fighting efforts

SPRINGFIELD – Several counties along the Mississippi and Illinois rivers have been affected by massive flooding in recent weeks. State senators Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) and Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) from the Metro East area of Illinois issued the following statements regarding the state’s comprehensive effort to combat the rising water:

“It’s overwhelming to see the impact the rivers have had on homes and businesses, but the work of the National Guard, IEMA, elected officials, law enforcement and volunteers proves that Madison County can handle anything,” Crowe said. “The men and women who have bagged sand, kept an eye on levees, supported citizens evacuating and kept everyone safe through this over 100-day progression are the true heroes.”

“This flooding has affected numerous of communities throughout the state and many neighborhoods in my district that border the Mississippi River,” Belt said. “These communities have seen a substantial amount of hardship over the past few months, so I commend Gov. Pritzker for providing resources that will help them recover from the destruction that this heavy rain has done.”

Crowe and Belt also remind residents to be cautious when hiring contractors to repair damage to their homes and businesses. Scammers often move quickly into communities to exploit people with damage to their homes or businesses. A few tips: never pay in cash, ask to see state and local licenses and get all terms in writing.

Residents needing assistance are urged to reach out to Crowe or Belt’s district offices.

Senator Crowe’s Office: (618) 251-9840

Senator Belt’s Office: (618) 875-1212

Belt votes for balanced budget to continue on path to stability

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) released the following statement after voting on a budget that increases funding for violence prevention grants, education, MAP, AIM HIGH and DCFS.

“This year’s budget keeps Illinois on the road toward stability and truly channels the needs of the working families in Illinois,” Belt said. “Increasing funding to these programs boosts our students’ growth and also puts our state in a better position than before.” 

“Also, the budget is creating new jobs opportunities and revolves around stopping low-income families from leaving the state,” Belt said.     

The budget appropriates $12 million in grants to address violence prevention efforts state statewide, including downstate communities, Chicago and the suburbs.

P-12 education will have record-breaking funding of $8.8 billion, and higher education will receive a 5 percent increase to support community college and universities. Local districts will receive an additional $26 million for students’ transportation costs.

The Monetary Award Program (MAP) will receive $451 million in next year’s budget – a $50 million increase over last year.

AIM HIGH, a program that works to reduce the costs of college for working and middle-class students, will receive an additional $10 million in funding, a move Belt hopes will help combat student out migration.

DCFS will receive an additional $100 million to hire 300 staff and caseworkers, reducing worker caseload and ensuring more attentive oversight for children and families under the agency’s care.

Belt helps neglected children get placed in safe homes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) passed legislation today that provides funding for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization of volunteers who advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children in court.

“Kids shouldn’t have to deal with abusive atmospheres,” Belt said. “CASA ensures that neglected kids are removed from those circumstances and are placed in safe and loving homes.”

Belt’s legislation amends the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act to require every county that uses CASA’s services to provide grants to fund their activities.

Currently, Illinois is one 6 states that does not have an appropriation for the CASA programs and ranks last in providing funding of state CASA offices.

House Bill 2497 passed the Senate and now goes back to the House for a concurrence vote

Belt encourages minority representation on corporate boards

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) passed a measure today seeking to increase minority representation on corporate boards.

Under the legislation, all publicly held corporations whose principal executive offices are located in Illinois would be required to submit information with their annual report regarding the gender and racial/ethnic make-up of their board of directors. 

The University of Illinois would then conduct a study to make recommendations on how to improve minority and female representation.

“Lack of diversity at the top often results in bad business decision-making,” Belt said. “By encouraging minority representation on corporate boards we are not only securing opportunities for minorities, but also promoting better business.”

Currently, only eight percent of the 77 Illinois Fortune 1000 companies have corporate boards composed of 20 percent or more women. Nationwide, black professionals make up only 6.3 percent of corporate boards. Asian Americans and Latinos make up 3.7 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

“The inclusion of different perspectives breeds an environment where innovation and creativity increase, which advances corporations’ progression,” Belt said.

House Bill 3394 passed the Senate and now goes back to the House for concurrence.