Ingram Earns Praise for Work in 2011

State Representative Keith M. Ingram of West Memphis has received recognition from multiple state and national organizations for his work on behalf of the people of the Delta in 2011. Ingram, serving his second term representing District 53, has focused on finding ways to create new jobs and opportunities that have helped improve the lives of many East Arkansas residents.

“It has been an honor to serve the good folks of District 53,” said Ingram. “I am proud to work with my constituents and organizations like the Coalition Against Sexual Assault, the Arkansas Hospital Association, and the Youth Sports Safety Alliance, and others, to help ensure we enjoy a safe way of life, with plenty of opportunities here in the Delta and throughout Arkansas.”

Ingram has recently been elected unanimously by his peers to serve as Vice Chairman of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC). The SLC provides services to more than 2,400 legislative members and staff of the 30 legislative chambers in the South. As Vice Chair, Ingram serves as a liaison to other House and Senate leaders throughout the region, working to identify and resolve issues that impact Southern states.

In addition, the Coalition Against Sexual Assault has named Ingram Legislator of the Year for his tireless work to make Arkansas safer by helping give law enforcement the tools they need to prevent and prosecute sexual assault in the state. Ingram co-sponsored Juli’s Law in 2009, a bill that requires police to collect a DNA sample at the time a suspect is arrested for violent crimes like murder. In 2011, Ingram sponsored and helped pass an amendment to Juli’s Law that added rape to the list of violent crimes covered by the law. Juli’s Law is named after Juli Busken, a 21-year-old ballerina from Arkansas who was murdered in Oklahoma. Her killer was identified and convicted a decade later, after a DNA sample linked him to the crime.

Ingram has also been presented with the prestigious Statesmanship Award from the Arkansas Hospital Association. The award recognizes individuals who use public policy to improve the health and wellbeing of Arkansans across the state. Ingram was a co-sponsor of legislation in 2009 to create a statewide trauma system, expected to save hundreds of lives. He also co-sponsored legislation creating provider assessment funds, which allow hospitals across Arkansas to leverage federal dollars to provide better care for patients. In 2011, he again sponsored legislation that created additional funding, which in some instances made the difference in some rural hospitals keeping their doors open. As past Chairman of the Board for Crittenden Regional Hospital, Ingram has a deep understanding of the needs facing rural hospitals and patients.

A longtime advocate for student athletes, Ingram has also been recognized by The National Athletic Trainer’s Association at its Youth Sports Summit for his work as Chairman of the Athletic Training Taskforce in Arkansas. Ingram has worked with our public schools to ensure athletic trainers and coaches complete sports safety training and that policies are in place to adequately address student safety.

“I am grateful for the kind recognition from these groups, but it’s not just for me – I’m honored to share it with the many concerned advocates and parents I’ve work alongside to help make the Delta and Arkansas a safer and healthier place to live,” Ingram said. “We have proven that by working together, we can accomplish great things for our state.”