Candidate Yee Leng Xiong emphasizes health care, two ties in race for 85th Assembly seat

The son of immigrant parents who came to the United States to escape communism, Yee Leng Xiong said being elected to the 85th Wisconsin Assembly would be “a dream come true.”

First elected to the DC Everest School Board in 2014 at age 19, Xiong went on to win a seat on the Marathon Board of Supervisors in 2016 and on the Village of Weston Board of Supervisors in 2018. He continues to work for the school and the district. board, but now he’s eyeing a new role at the state level.

In an interview with WPR’s Shereen Siewert on “Morning Edition,” Xiong said health care is one of his top priorities if elected in November. He also vowed to work with lawmakers from both parties to address the needs of citizens.

“What I would like to do, without a doubt, is focus on expanding health care and passing bills to address safety and mental health issues in our community here,” said Xiong, who is running for and Democrats. “I think that these are issues that we can all find common ground on. I would also work with people to create consensus and build relationships. Everything depends on building relationships with people along the way. “

Xiong is challenging Republican Pat Snyder for the seat. Snyder has served four terms and was first elected in 2017.

Professionally, he served as the executive director of the Hmong American Center from 2016 until his resignation earlier this year.

This discussion has been edited for clarity and brevity.

Shereen Siewert: The 85th was rezoned in 2023, eliminating other cities in Marathon County. Do you think the marginalization made the race competitive?

Yee Leng Xiong: Indeed, yes. With the change, it is now a 50/50 seat. One of the biggest challenges we’ve had is the fact that Wisconsin was largely built under old maps.

With the new maps now, it makes this seat even more competitive and I’m excited to chat with people at home. We see a lot of progress and a lot of excitement.

SS: How do you plan to address Wisconsin’s current budget challenges, especially in areas like education and health care?

YLX: When it comes to education, we need to be creative. One of the things I learned from my role as a school board member is to be creative in how we fund our programs.

We need to go back and look at how we fund our schools.

In terms of health care, we need to look at expanding BadgerCare and accepting federal dollars to provide health care for more than 89,000 Wisconsinites, allowing federal dollars to return as an investment. in Wisconsin.

SS: What specific steps would you take to improve infrastructure in Wisconsin, including internet access in rural areas?

YLX: For broadband specifically, the Wisconsin Legislature has done nothing to earmark dollars to invest in broadband. The only action in our area made by the Marathon County Board.

The country is very focused on federal dollars and that does not solve the problems that people in their 85s face. One of the things that I like to do is to make sure that we put dollars aside to invest in broadband so that our farmers, the people who live in the countryside, can get the internet.

SS: If elected, how would you work to protect the country’s natural resources?

YLX: One of the things I want to emphasize is supporting policies and initiatives that focus on protecting clean, safe drinking water.

We need to conserve our natural resources while supporting outdoor recreation, while focusing on creating policies and signs that address climate change. At the same time, we need to ensure that our farmers and our agricultural community continue to thrive under those policies.

SS: How can you support initiatives to increase affordable housing options in the district?

YLX: The reason we have high rents and housing prices is because of supply. One of the things we need to do is be creative and make sure we have every option on the table. That includes the ability to look up recommendations for manufacturers or look up area codes.

We need to make sure we’re looking at everything and working with Democrats and Republicans to solve these problems because we can’t afford to let Wisconsin continue to struggle.

This is an issue that affects people very much, whether they belong to the middle class, the upper class or the lower class. We need to do everything we can here to make sure this works.

SS: With the legal system on the rise, what is the most specific way you can work with members of the opposing party on behalf of your district?

YLX: One of the things I’m proud of is the fact that I have a track record of working with people across the board, for example, the school board. We put aside our partisan politics and do what is best for students.

We want to lower the cost of living by addressing child care prices, affordable housing, making sure we protect reproductive rights and keeping our communities safe. I am committed to working with people from all walks of life, Republican and Democrat, to ensure that those issues are resolved.

SS: In September, Wausau Mayor Doug Diny made national headlines when he removed a missing ballot box from the steps of City Hall. The box has been returned. What is your opinion on this matter?

YLX: I contacted the leaders in my area here to condemn and condemn the act. I think it is a violation of democratic rules. We need to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to vote. It is not a side issue. It is about protecting and supporting democracy.

SS: What will it mean to the Hmong community as a whole if you are elected?

YLX: I want to emphasize that if I am elected, I will represent everyone. For me it can only be a dream. I was a child of refugees who came to the United States to escape communism and persecution, and came to the United States to pursue the American dream that I live in.

I am able to do what I do because of the sacrifices of my parents and those who came before me. But I also live my life and I live the American dream on behalf of many who could not come to the United States, who passed by, like my aunt, who stepped on a land mine with me. elder brother, who was buried on the banks of the Mekong River.

I’m doing what I can here and living this dream in the land of opportunity. Thanks to my parents and those who came before me who made this possible.

SS: What makes you a good candidate for the seat?

YLX: I am a person who wants to do things. I want to make sure that I am a person of action. I’m looking for solutions instead of partisan politics, you know, and I’ve done that many times in my career as a school board member and county board member.

I am a good listener. I know the problems we face. That is what makes me the best candidate for this position.

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