Merav Ben-David in State of Wyoming Archives

On Environment: Yes to stronger environmental regulations

She felt pressure to inform people living in Wyoming about the threat of climate change. She began to juggle an active research program with activism. "I came to understand those efforts would be a lot more effective if I was in the decision-making process." Eventually, she decided to run for office. Wyoming's political landscape is not particularly friendly for Ben-David, whose platform includes calls for stronger environmental regulation. Source: Science Magazine on 2020 Wyoming Senate race Oct 19, 2020

On Education: Use federal law to support education, reduce student debt

Continued support for Wyoming education should remain a priority. Wyoming's dedication to education is reflected in the state's community colleges and the University of Wyoming. Their relatively low tuition, combined with Governor Dave Freudenthal's Hathaway Scholarship, enable the majority of Wyomingites to obtain a high-quality education without accruing crippling debt. I will support laws that reduce student loan burdens and bolster our higher education system. Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com Oct 10, 2020

On Energy & Oil: Green energy can fuel Wyoming's future with good jobs

Wyoming has so much more to offer than coal, oil and gas. Think of the new technologies developed to curb the rise in greenhouse gasses. Consider all the components required to build and operate electric trucks and hydrogen-cell vehicles, or the expertise that will be needed to maintain caravans of self-driving trucks on our highways. Advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, material science, and integrative planning can fuel the future of Wyoming. Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com Oct 10, 2020

On Foreign Policy: Climate change connected to fate of Middle East

Wars are largely about resources, and in the Middle East the most valuable resource is water. The region is projected to experience severe drying as a result of climate change. For a region where millions already suffer from starvation and violence, additional climate-related stresses will be devastating. Any global climate mitigation plan should have specific details for addressing the Middle East, and be developed in conjunction with the region's countries. Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com Oct 10, 2020

On Health Care: Strongly supports expanded Medicaid, universal health care

Wyoming should expand Medicaid. In 2019, nearly 54,000 Wyomingites were enrolled in Medicaid and the Children Health Insurance Program - a far cry from the 73,000 who would have been eligible under Medicaid expansion. While some were able to get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, at least 6,000 were left without access. Leaving people uninsured during the COVID19 pandemic is unconscionable. I will argue forcefully for Universal Health Care. Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com Oct 10, 2020

On Jobs: Implement Federal Job Guarantee program for unemployed

Wyoming isÿprojectedÿto lose more than 25,000 jobs. It is time to implement the Federal Job Guarantee program. It was intended to use federal funds to support state-based job creation while guaranteeing employment with a livable wage. Oil-field workers who lost their jobs when the number of oil rigs dropped from 32 to 4 in the past year can be re-hired to install solar panels at hydro-electric dams, plug up abandoned wells, or build wind farms. Source: 2020 Wyoming Senate campaign website CorkyForSenate.com Oct 10, 2020

On Budget & Economy: The Heroes Act would save jobs in WY

Ben-David said she backed the Heroes Act, a roughly $3 trillion stimulus package approved by the House in May and left unconsidered by the GOP-controlled Senate. "The state of Wyoming right now is facing a $1.6 billion shortfall, and the Heroes Act that is lingering on Mitch McConnell's desk has a lot of money that will be allocated to support state government, such that we don't need to fire our state employees," said Ben-David. Source: WY News Exchange on 2020 Wyoming Senate debate Oct 9, 2020

On Civil Rights: Systemic racism prevalent in America

On race: "Systemic racism has been a problem for quite a while--not only are we seeing the effects of slavery from 400 years ago, but also the treatment of indigenous people in our country," said Ben-David, adding she would have a tribal affairs liaison in her office, if elected to the Senate. Source: WY News Exchange on 2020 Wyoming Senate debate Oct 9, 2020

On Health Care: Supports single-payer, universal health care

Ben-David offered her support for a single-payer, universal health care system, arguing the costs of health care will go down "if everybody is part of the (same) system." "The Affordable Care Act is a very good step in ensuring Americans have insurance, but I believe that we need to make sure that everyone has access to health care, including rural states and rural hospitals, and that's why I support a universal, single-payer health care system for the United States." Source: WY News Exchange on 2020 Wyoming Senate debate Oct 9, 2020

On Government Reform: Need to pass HEROES Act to get through COVID

Tens of thousands of Wyomingites lost their jobs and their health care over the past half year -- my first priority will be to pass bills like the HEROES Act that will help them get through the current crisis. As senator, I'll also work to pass a federal jobs guarantee bill. We'll reduce unemployment, reclaim our landscapes, and modernize our infrastructure, all at the same time. Source: Rocket Miner on 2020 Wyoming Senate race Sep 30, 2020

On Principles & Values: Will confirm qualified nominees for government positions

I'll write and advocate for legislation that helps Wyoming, i.e. bills that bring jobs and funds to our state. I'll make sure our government acts competently and with integrity by confirming only qualified nominees for important positions, and by holding government officials accountable. My office will assist Wyomingites resolve problems with the government. I will follow my oath of office to ensure that we protect and defend the Constitution and the people of the United States of America. Source: Rocket Miner on 2020 Wyoming Senate race Sep 30, 2020

On Foreign Policy: Against Israeli government's Palestinian policies

On Mideast: "People ask a lot about what is my position about Israel and are interested in my response especially relative to the Palestinians," she said. "So far, most of people's responses are positive, not negative. I mean, I do not support what the Israeli government is doing. I think it's atrocious. And I voiced my opinion. And so people appreciate that." Source: Ha'Aretz (Israel) on 2020 Wyoming Senate race Aug 19, 2020

The above quotations are from State of Wyoming Politicians: Archives. Click here for other excerpts from State of Wyoming Politicians: Archives. Click here for other excerpts by Merav Ben-David. Click here for a profile of Merav Ben-David.
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Page last updated: Oct 14, 2021