**News Release Submitted by Michelle Embree Ku Campaign**

March 18, 2024

Joined by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Newtown Selectperson Michelle Embree Ku formally announced her run on March 17th for Connecticut’s 106th House District and to be a voice for Newtown at the State Capitol.

Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz said “She has a proven track record. The people of Newtown have sent her to various boards to represent them in the town, and I know this election they are going to send her to Hartford to be your voice.”

Motivated by the events on December 14, 2012, Michelle became involved in community recovery efforts, gun violence prevention, and subsequently Newtown government. Previously serving as the Board of Education Chair, a Legislative Council member, and, currently, as a Selectperson, Michelle plans to bring her collaborative experience to Hartford.

“What inspires me to run to advocate for my community is still what drove me to get involved more than a decade ago-like many of my neighbors, I want us to live in a safe and affordable community, with accessibility to quality education,” said Embree Ku

In her thirteen years serving Newtown residents, Michelle worked to address many key issues – healthier school start times, school enrollment fluctuations, heating and ventilation in schools, and safety and security. After nearly a decade of multiple failed budget referenda in Newtown, Michelle was part of a new ten-year trend of presenting budgets that would pass with public approval.

She is experienced in the legislative process, having chaired the Connecticut Legislature’s Task Force on Life Threatening Food Allergies. And she has been part of problem-solving, as a member of the Governor’s Regional Advisory Team to examine return to school during COVID. She chaired Government Relations for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and was President of the EdAdvance Board of Directors.

“I will fight for a healthcare system that works for us: one that provides for family planning, a better insurance marketplace, and quality hospitals,” said Embree Ku. “I will continue to advocate for quality public education – better air quality in our schools, scrutiny of unfunded mandates, fulfilling the promise to fund special education costs, and smart investments in higher education that support the next generation of Connecticut’s skilled workers. I will also work with Newtown’s local leaders to ensure Fairfield Hills Property continues to be an asset and not a liability.”