News

SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt announced Belleville will receive a total of $250,000 through Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program to improve pedestrian safety and expand opportunities for children and families to safely walk and bike in their community.

“Keeping children safe on their way to school should always be a top priority,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I am happy to help secure this funding so students and families can have greater peace of mind every day.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would ensure entire communities are not permanently denied access to state grant funding. 

“Government accountability is important, but government should not be punitive to the people it serves,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “When elected officials make mistakes and are held accountable for their actions, entire communities should not be permanently cut off from resources that could improve the community.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would prohibit retailers from refusing cash payments up to $500.

“Cash is still a reality for millions of families, seniors and small-business owners,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “No one should feel excluded from participating in routine transactions simply because they choose to pay with cash.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt advanced a measure that would ban the use of AI tools in teacher evaluations.

“This measure protects teachers by ensuring their evaluations are written by people, not AI,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will keep the process fair, transparent and more focused on real classroom performance.”