EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois taxpayers can expect to see up to $700 in tax rebates in the coming weeks thanks to backing from State Senator Christopher Belt.

“My colleagues in the General Assembly and I are proud that we were able to champion legislation that will benefit millions of Illinoisans,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “After all our constituencies have been through in the last few years, these rebates will provide much needed financial relief.”

Belt supported Senate Bill 157, which provides millions of Illinois taxpayers with financial relief – including direct tax rebates.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To help offset the financial challenges of the last few years, State Senator Christopher Belt announced that school districts across the 57th Senate District will receive millions in additional funding.

The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence based funding formula, which reexamined the state funding model for K-12 education. Thanks to this law, the school funding formula is more equitable as it takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate, the number of special education or English language learners, among other factors to base its revenue needs.

“Schools were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, and they can benefit heavily from this increased financial support,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “Building off of the tax holiday for school supplies, this funding is yet another opportunity for educators to acquire the resources they need to provide children with the most optimal learning environment.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – To promote economic welfare and ensure residents have support, the City of Cahokia Heights was awarded nearly $75,000 in relief grants thanks to advocacy from State Senator Christopher Belt. 

“Funding our communities allows local governments to support families and businesses,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “These grant funds awarded to Cahokia Heights will help develop and implement plans to address the pandemic’s impact and provide meaningful steps forward for an equitable recovery.”

Through the Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery program, Cahokia Heights will receive $74,840 to help economic development organizations improve plans to promote economic recovery.

EAST ST. LOUIS – With support from State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois State Police are constructing a new headquarters to house Metro East regional operations in East St. Louis.

“Law enforcement officers, detectives and support staff employed through the Illinois State Police work with integrity to protect families and improve public safety in the greater Metro East region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “By constructing a brand new, state-of-the-art headquarters in East St. Louis, all who call the community home or plan to visit stand to benefit.”

To increase patrol presence, help solve violent crime and improve public safety, the ISP Metro East Regional Headquarters will be located near Lynch and Caseyville Avenues in East St. Louis. Funded through the Rebuild Illinois capital program, approximately $55 million was released Tuesday to begin the design process.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget, Sen. Belt advocated to appropriate $19 million for ISP to support three new cadet classes to recruit approximately 300 cadets, the largest investment in state history.

ISP is working with the Capital Development Board to begin the design phase in which the community will have an opportunity to provide input. Additional information is available on the Illinois.gov website.