State Assembly Candidate Yee Leng Xiong Wants to Invest in People, Childcare, and Housing

Yee Leng Xiong is the Democratic candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly District 85. Xiong says that in order to create a strong economy, “we must prioritize investing in our most valuable asset—our people” and expand the local labor pool. He believes the childcare crisis happening throughout Wisconsin needs to be addressed, by providing fair compensation for childcare workers and educators. 

Xiong also says that resolving the housing crisis through partnerships with developers to build affordable housing is “essential for community growth.” 

According to his campaign website, Xiong says, “we must ensure that the WI 85th Assembly district is the ideal location to live, work, start a family, and start and grow a business” and that “by enhancing our community’s capacity, we empower individuals to succeed, fostering a thriving community.”

The Republican incumbent is Pat Snyder. Rep. Snyder serves on multiple committees including, the Committees on Aging and Long-Term Care, Campaigns and Elections, Children and Families, Jobs and the Economy, Mental Health, Urban Revitalization, and Workforce Development. 

Rep. Snyder served as the vice-chair of the Jobs and the Economy Committee and says he will be “a strong voice for the constituents he represents in hopes of bringing economic recovery to the 85th Assembly District.” He also served as co-chair of the Speaker’s Foster Care Task Force and has worked “to reform our foster care system and improve the lives of children in Wisconsin,” according to his campaign website. 

Rep. Snyder voted for SB 1, which replaced Gov. Evers’ plan to fund child care workers with a tax cut for the state’s wealthiest 20% instead. Republicans also rejected many other amendments, including direct funding for Wisconsin’s Child Care Counts Program, which provides direct assistance to child care programs.