BELLEVILLE, Ill. – Alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of energy for area residents, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and state Sen. Christopher Belt, D-Cahokia, on Thursday introduced a $200 million rebate program that would deliver an estimated $170 to Ameren residential and small commercial energy customers.

“Residents are unfairly being hit with significant increases to their energy bills,” Hoffman said. “That’s why we’ve been negotiating for weeks with stakeholders and working on a proposal that will deliver real relief for families and small business owners. This isn’t a small rebate; this is real money that families need to receive.”

“With the cost of energy and inflation on the rise, families are feeling pressured to choose between paying their bills, putting food on their tables or being responsible for subsequent late fees,” Belt said. “This rebate plan for Ameren customers puts money back into the pockets of working families, and I look forward to advocating for its passage in the Senate. I appreciate my partnership with Rep. Hoffman, community stakeholders and the public for helping to craft this proposal.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications are live for the Small Equipment Grant Program through the Office of the State Fire Marshal, and senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are encouraging local fire departments in the Metro East to apply.

“This program gives eligible departments the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to afford,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Thanks to the small equipment grants, fire departments will be able to provide better service to residents and families in our community, and I urge Metro East facilities to apply.”

OSFM will award $1.5 million to eligible fire departments and ambulance services for vital equipment purchases.

EAST ST. LOUIS – With support from State Senator Christopher Belt, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced more than $90.5 million in state and local highway road improvements for the 57th District.

“The Rebuild Illinois capital program has made lasting, positive improvements to the state, and the work is just getting started,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Investing in the Metro East’s transportation is vital, as it will continue to create jobs, promote economic growth and keep residents safe when traveling.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under the Rebuild Illinois program, officials in the 57th District are scheduled to begin 26 infrastructure projects totaling an estimated $90,551,000 in Fiscal Year 2023.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To improve infrastructure and create jobs for residents, State Senator Christopher Belt announced the Village of Fairmont City as a recipient of a Rebuild Downtowns and Main Streets grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“Residents depend on reliable, safe transportation to prosper in their communities and spur economic development in the region,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The $1.27 million investment in the Village of Fairmont City will create jobs for residents to maintain roadways and improve existing infrastructure.”