EAST ST. LOUIS – Over $200,000 in grant funding is coming to Madison and St. Clair Counties to enhance broadband accessibility for residents, thanks to support from State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“The pandemic showed the need for an increase in broadband services through economic opportunity, remote learning and health care services,” Belt said. “These grants will bring resources toward the health, growth and education of our community through expanded accessibility.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced funding for 22 projects in every region of the state. The money is part of the second round of Connect Illinois to improve the lives of families, farmers, businesses, community institutions and other Illinoisans who rely on high-speed broadband for everything from education to healthcare access.

EAST ST.LOUIS – A new $9.9 million hub to house St. Clair County sheriff’s deputies, 911 dispatchers, the transit control center and more will soon be built in East St. Louis thanks to the support of State Senators Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon).

“The bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program has positively impacted the state, and these local infrastructure investments come at a critical time to help downstate transportation,” said Belt. “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.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – Over a dozen local businesses in and around St. Clair County were awarded over $500,000 in funding from the Back to Business program to tackle pandemic-related losses, thanks to the support of State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea).

“Businesses across Illinois have been greatly impacted in a variety of ways by COVID-19, especially family-owned, small businesses,” Belt said. “This funding will give business owners a chance to mend from the major impacts the pandemic has brought to our community.”

The B2B program grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated to them by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. So far – thanks to strong support from Belt – DCEO has provided $111 million in B2B grants to nearly 3,000 small businesses throughout the state with an emphasis on disproportionately impacted areas.

A total of $510,000 was awarded to 14 businesses to help them cover the costs of safely staying open in these unpredictable times. Businesses include hotels, restaurants, barbershops and more.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To support the Restore, Reinvest and Renew program, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) will join Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton and Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) to host an informational webinar for organizations that have been harmed by violence, excessive incarceration and economic disinvestment.

“Communities across the state have been impacted by gun violence, unemployment, poverty and wrongful doing,” Belt said. “It is our duty as government officials to help those in our community get the resources they need to protect themselves from gun violence, promote employment opportunities and build healthy investments for those in need.”

The virtual info session will be held on Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. on the $45 million R3 program. The grants fund programs in five areas, including civil legal aid, economic development, reentry, violence prevention and youth development. Nonprofit organizations, local governments, faith-based organizations, businesses and other community or neighborhood associations may apply for grants individually or in a collaborative with other groups.