Ingram offers updates on Legislative Session

State Senator congratulates Biden, Harris on

inauguration

ralphhardin@gmail.com It has been a busy couple of weeks in Little Rock since the Arkansas General Assembly’s 2021 session got underway. State Senator Keith Ingram is among the state lawmakers going about the business of shaping the state’s future through a series of legislative measures, including several bills that have already been considered.

“Today, the Senate approved the bill that would allow liquor stores to deliver to of-age residents in their county,” Ingram said. “This is an extension of the Governor’s pandemic executive order. We also approved the selling of mixed drinks on excursion trains.”

Arkansans age 21 and older would be able to order and receive alcoholic beverages straight to their homes under the measure.

Ingram also reported on a trio of bills aimed at higher education in the state.

“The Senate passed legislation to complete the merger of Henderson State into the ASU System,” he said.

“The Senate also passed a bill to provide free college to members of the Arkansas National Guard, and a bill to allow cities and counties to issue bonds to build infrastructure for internet services made its way out of committee.”

Arkansas is in the middle of a massive broadband expansion, primarily directed at increasing high-speed internet access to rural and poverty-stricken areas.

Ingram also reported on the passage of a piece of legislation that has stirred up debate both in the state and across the country. On Tuesday, the Senate voted on the controversial Stand Your ground bill.

“I voted against the bill because I have some real concerns,” said Ingram, “but the bill passed and is headed to the House.”

Ingram encouraged Crittenden County residents to follow along with the 2021 legislative session and stay informed about these and other issues. “One of the best ways to stay on top of Arkansas legislative session is to tune in live,” he said. “You can watch floor sessions and committee meetings from home or work online.”

The link to the Arkansas Senate stream is: https://senate.arkansas.gov/ todays-live-stream-meetings/.

Ingram also encoraged everyone to get vaccinated against the flu.

“There are many reasons to

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“ I’ve received calls and emails from friends wondering about this neck brace. Don’t worry, I am fine! I recently had surgery on four disks, and I’ll be out of this neck brace and into a soft collar next week. I do appreciate everyone who has checked in, but know I am well and on the road to recovery.”

— State Sen. Keith Ingram INGRAM (cut)

get a flu shot every year, but this year is especially important given that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both spreading,” he said.

Finally, Ingram wished the new president and vice president well as they took office on Wednesday.

“I would like to congratulate President Biden and Vice President Harris,” said Ingram “As George H.W.

Bush told Bill Clinton, ‘Your success now is our country’s success.’ I echo President Biden’s call for unity. Let’s listen to one another. Let’s respect one another. Let’s lower the temperature, stop the shouting and work together to create a brighter future for our children and their children.”