Valentine's Day Card Drive

Belt to chair Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt will serve as the chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee for the 104^th General Assembly.

“My number one focus is to hold the line on funding for law enforcement and gun violence prevention,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to make public safety a priority, and I will advocate for state spending to reflect that.”  

Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt enjoyed an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois.

Since taking office, Belt has passed laws to advance public safety, develop pre-apprenticeship programs across the state and secure funding to upgrade roads and bridges. Under Belt’s leadership, the Illinois State Police saw historic funding to hire and train 200 new state troopers in the most recent state budget.

“I also want to make sure that we keep our foot on the gas when it comes to fixing the roads,” said Belt. “Infrastructure improvements are great for our community and the men and women in labor.”

For a full list of Belt’s committee assignments, click here.

Belt applauds funding to improve adolescent mental health services in district

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in announcing $200 million in funding to transform health care delivery and improve health outcomes in the state.

“Quality mental health care is essential for the well-being of adolescents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Learning how to manage mental health at a young age can be challenging, but with resources like the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Program, we can support our youth and expand more mental health resources.”

The Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, which was established in 2021. The goals of the HTC program are to expand access to care and improve health equity, especially in underserved communities, by leveraging shared resources among collaborative partners to create locally-driven solutions.

Of the 13 organizations selected for funding through the program, Touchette Regional Hospital, in the district Belt represents, is set to receive $15 million for construction of a new adolescent mental health wing. The new mental health wing will be integrated into the already under development Health Care Campus funded through the Illinois Healthcare Transformation grant previously awarded to Touchette Regional Hospital in 2021.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of healthcare across Illinois, particularly in underserved communities,” said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. “CDB is proud to partner with HFS to ensure these projects not only improve healthcare access, but also build stronger, more resilient healthcare infrastructure that will serve generations of Illinoisans.”

Find the full list of grant recipients here.

Belt to host Thanksgiving turkey giveaway

BELLEVILLE – State Senator Christopher Belt is partnering with State Representative Jay Hoffman, Downtown Belleville YMCA, Meridian, YouthCare, and HealthChoice Illinois to host a turkey giveaway on Monday, Nov. 25 in Belleville.

“Every family should be able to have a nice, hot meal on Thanksgiving,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Representative Hoffman and I know the importance of giving during the holiday season, and this turkey giveaway is the best way to start.”

The giveaway will be held at the Downtown Belleville YMCA located at 200 S. Illinois St. on Monday, Nov. 25 at 9 a.m. while supplies last. One turkey will be provided per household. An ID is required to differentiate households per car.

For more information, call Senator Belt’s office at 618-875-1212 or visit his website.