Humanity Driven Approaches to Justice with Senator Christopher Belt

Senator Christopher Belt

“Zip code should not determine the quality of education you get. Zip code should not determine the quality of healthcare you get.”

Senator Christopher Belt, who serves Illinois’ 57th senate district, discusses his goals to achieve economic equity in Illinois as a “humanity driven state legislature.” Senator Belt represents some of the most underserved, but also historical areas in Illinois such as East Saint Louis and Brooklyn. Through his work, Senator Belt recognizes the zip code inequality that exists in the communities he serves and believes zip codes should not determine life outcomes. Too often, communities of color face zip code inequality because they lack necessary resources such as quality education and health care. Senator Belt is advocating for better resources in the communities he serves by conversing with his constituents to ask what their needs are and in return proposing legislation based on what they express. 

Not only this, but also Senator Belt is passionate about educating his constituents about financial literacy. Historically, people of color have been targeted by predatory lenders who give high interest loans that burden them with more debt. Senator Belt is proposing that banking institutions build healthier relationships with communities of color by offering financial resources that will help them build soft banking skills such as how to set up a banking account, how to balance a checkbook, and how to build a credit score.

Lastly, Senator Belt is passionate about bringing justice to those who have been imprisoned for cannabis possession. With the legalization of cannabis in Illinois, Senator Belt believes those who were imprisoned for it should be freed and given an opportunity to make a living doing the same thing that caused them to go to prison in the first place. Overall, Senator Belt is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the communities he serves and advocating for their needs.