House of Delegates Speaker, Michael Busch passed away this afternoon at the age of 72. Busch was the longest serving speaker in history.
Busch’s health had been deteriorating over the past few years having had a liver transplant in 2017, a heart bypass in 2018, and most recently a bout of pneumonia that took him away from his beloved House of Delegates for the past week as he was being treated in the hospital.
Condolences from across the state poured in…
This is a profoundly sad day for Maryland. Mike Busch was a giant in our government—the longest serving Speaker in our state’s history. He cared deeply about improving the lives of Marylanders, and his legacy is evident in his many legislative achievements.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) April 7, 2019
Joining Marylanders across our state in remembering Speaker Mike Busch, who passed away earlier this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Cindy, his two daughters, and everyone who loved him. pic.twitter.com/YMlRFTcGue
— Comptroller Peter Franchot (@peterfranchot) April 7, 2019
A sad day for Maryland as we mourn the loss of our friend @SpeakerBusch … Mike Busch was a force in Annapolis and he left a progressive imprint on the state that without hyperbole will last for generations. For me, and for Myrna, the loss is intensely personal.
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) April 7, 2019
Speaker Mike Busch has always stood with Maryland and Maryland stands with Mike and his family during this heart-wrenching time. Our prayers and gratitude go out to Mike, Cindy, and his entire family at this difficult hour.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 7, 2019
I join Marylanders from every corner of the state in sending heartfelt condolences to Speaker Busch’s family and friends. He was a wonderful and decent man who will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him over these many years.
— Rep. John Sarbanes (@RepSarbanes) April 7, 2019
Mike always believed in empowering diverse voices and the next generation of people to shape the future of our state, and I cherished his mentorship and wisdom.
Maryland has lost a great leader. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife Cindy, and his daughters Erin and Megan.
— Anthony Brown (@RepAnthonyBrown) April 7, 2019
Mayor Gavin Buckley, his family, staff and residents of the City mourn the passing of @SpeakerBusch. He was a true leader and a good friend . This is a devastating loss. https://t.co/eepPLqhza5
— CityofAnnapolis (@CityofAnnapolis) April 7, 2019
Anne Arundel County is a better place because of Speaker Mike Busch. He left us with buildings and parks where our people come together as community, and he led us with a humility and compassion that reminds us what matters in life.
— County Executive Steuart Pittman (@AACoExec) April 7, 2019
It’s sad and surreal that @SpeakerBusch is gone. He was a good man and a dear friend. The coach-like style that he used lifted all of us up and made us better people. He liked to win but what he wanted most was to see everyone “play the game” fairly, with honor and dignity. pic.twitter.com/zB6fFqO3mz
— Nic Kipke (@Kipke) April 7, 2019
Today Maryland lost one of the greatest public servants we have. Our community lost a hero. I lost a friend, a mentor, & a coach. Speaker Mike Busch represented the best of us. His integrity, his character, and his grit will not soon be forgotten.
— Senator Sarah Elfreth (@SenatorSarah) April 7, 2019
Busch was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1987 and a (very) few of the highlights of his 32-year career include
- 2018 – Maryland’s Red Flag Law
- 2012 – Maryland recognizing and allowing same sex marriage
- 2019 – The reform of the University of Maryland Medical System
- 2019 – Increasing the minimum wage to $15 per hour
- 2013 – Eliminating the death penalty in Maryland
Busch was a giant advocate for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County and was the driving force behind moving Maryland Hall from an old high-school to a world-class performing arts center. Professionally, Busch was an Assistant Director for the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks having just recently retired!
[bctt tweet=”Someone is not re-elected for 32 years without doing something right for his constituents! And for that, Speaker Busch is to be remembered and lauded!” username=”eyeonannapolis”]
The Speaker was always available to anyone and frequently could be seen walking around town and attending events small and large. He was spotted critiquing the new bike lane in Annapolis one day and another attending a Q&A session at Maryland Hall with a friend, Ralph Crosby about his Ralph’s recent book.
When we approached the Speaker to come on The Maryland Crabs Podcast back in 2016 prior to his liver transplant, he immediately said yes!
In politics, people take sides, and the Speaker was not immune from the barbs of policy. However, as sharp as those barbs may have been, those throwing them had a genuine respect for the Speaker and all he stood for. Someone is not re-elected for 32 years without doing something right for his constituents! And for that, Speaker Busch is to be remembered and lauded!
Funeral arrangements are pending and Governor Hogan has ordered all Maryland flags to be flown at half-staff until interment.
Effective immediately, Maryland flags will fly at half-staff in honor of Speaker Busch’s distinguished life and legacy until sunset on the day of interment.
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) April 7, 2019
Busch is survived by his wife, Cindy; two daughters, Erin and Megan, and three sisters.