MARYVILLE – To patronize small businesses during the pandemic, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) and State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) are encouraging Metro East residents to shop small this holiday season to support local businesses.

“The money you spend at a local business stays within our town and community, fostering our local economies,” Belt said. “This holiday season, I urge residents to shop locally to help support our local businesses during this difficult time and encourage economic growth in our community.”

“As the holiday season approaches, I want to remind residents of the special, unique services and gifts the Metro East small business community provides,” Crowe said. “By supporting small businesses, we can help our friends and neighbors in this difficult time while investing in our local economies.”

EAST ST. LOUIS - To expand high-speed internet access to more households and businesses in the Metro East, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) announced $50 million in matching grants is now available in the second round of the Connect Illinois program. 

"Connect Illinois is the largest broadband expansion grant program in the country, and it has the potential to make a huge difference to our community," Belt said. "Roughly 177 Metro East households will receive internet access thanks to the first round of grants. I urge eligible applicants to apply for this second round to expand the number of homes and businesses that can benefit from this historic program.”  

EAST ST. LOUIS – In an effort to increase state contracting opportunities for Black vendors, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) spoke Friday about the importance of creating new standards that ensure agencies are practicing fair contracting.   

“Black Americans are struggling to secure opportunities in supplier diversity, no matter the industry,” Belt said. “Illinois’ goal is to decrease disparities for all businesses of color by increasing sustainability and providing them a fair share of local, state, and federal contracting.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – In response to this Saturday’s National Move Over Day, State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Centreville) is raising awareness of Scott’s Law, which requires drivers to move into another lane to protect first responders.

“When first responders are stopped to help people, they should not have to worry about drivers hitting them,” Belt said. “It needs to be a habit for drivers to move over once they see flashing lights on the side of the road in order to protect the people who are potentially trying to save someone’s life.”