EDWARDSVILLE – The Metro East area of Illinois is in dire need of investment by the state, State Senator Christopher Belt said today as a hearing was underway to give local officials an opportunity to detail some of the region’s most pressing construction needs.

 

Belt was among the senators who convened at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville today for the second in a series of regional Senate hearings on statewide construction needs. Lawmakers are gathering information about infrastructure projects – highway improvements, bridge repairs and projects at universities and colleges – that could be included in a state construction program.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) released the following statement regarding the governor’s budget address this afternoon:

 

“I support Gov. Pritzker’s plan to increase school funding, special education grants and technical education programs. Increased funding for education will help students flourish, and the impact will be significant.

 

“In addition, I support Gov. Pritzker’s vision of making Illinois a recreational marijuana state. This will build economic growth and help create jobs. To that end, I am most happy that all of our citizens, including minorities, will have an opportunity in this endeavor. 

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) released the following statement regarding a statewide minimum wage increase being signed into law Tuesday morning. 

 

“I promised my constituents a better minimum wage, and today that promised was accomplished,” Belt said. “This is big for my district, and I want to continue to bring better opportunities for the residents and taxpayers there.”