“O’Malley was constantly off to New York or downtown Washington to build a national profile on TV for his presidential run,” said Todd Eberly, a political scientist at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. “Miller was obsessed with gambling, and that’s all he wanted. Busch was the adult in the room, saying we have to settle the budget because it’s the one thing by law we have to do.<doc-sep>Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch Has Died Maryland House Speaker Mike Busch, who served for 16 years as one of the state’s most powerful politicians, has died after a long illness. Busch was 72 and was recently treated at the University of Maryland Medical Center for pneumonia and other complications following a June 2017 liver transplant. At 3:22 P.M. on Sunday, Busch passed away surrounded by loved ones. He’s survived by his wife, Cindy, daughters, Erin and Megan, sisters Gail Burkhead, Laurie Bernhardt and Susan Evans. 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 . @SpeakerBusch and I came from different sides of the aisle, but we often came together in the best interests of the people of Maryland. He served with the decency and good nature of a teacher, a coach, and a family man. I was honored to know him and to work closely with him. — Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) April 7, 2019 On behalf of all Marylanders, the First Lady and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Speaker’s wife, Cindy, their daughters, Erin and Megan, and all of his colleagues. He was raised in Annapolis, he represented Annapolis, and he will forever be remembered here. — Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) April 7, 2019 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 He was the longest serving House Speaker in Maryland history. Busch had not led a floor session in the House of Delegates since March 27. Last week the Democrat issued a statement indicating he was feeling rundown after a procedure related to his transplant. He also announced that he was diagnosed with pneumonia but was hoping to return to the State House on Monday, to preside over the House of Delegates on the last day of the 2019 Maryland General Assembly session. Busch was born in Baltimore, but grew up in Annapolis. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, then went on to Temple University, where he played football. An injury ended his playing career, and he graduated from Temple in 1970 with an education degree. He taught history and coached at St. Mary's High School for six years in the 1970’s, before going to work for the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1986, representing District 30A in Anne Arundel County, which includes the City of Annapolis. He was first elected Speaker of the House in 2003 and had been re-elected every year since. Busch, who had been chairman of the House Economic Matters Committee, succeeded Speaker Casper Taylor in 2003, who was defeated in a re-election bid a year earlier. He had described himself as an “old school liberal,” crediting the late House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pete Rawlings for teaching him to be fiscally prudent and socially responsible. This year, Busch led the Democrats fight for among other things, a $15-an-hour minimum wage, a bill to create oyster sanctuaries in Eastern Shore waterways, and tougher restrictions on guns. His advocacy for the gun laws this year was due in part to the killings at the Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, where a gunman killed five employees. Most recently, Busch sponsored emergency legislation to overhaul the University of Maryland Medical System Board. The legislation was introduced in the wake of revelations nine board members had won no bid contracts for their businesses while serving on the board. One of the board members was Mayor Catherine Pugh who received $500,000 from the medical system for her self-published children’s books. “Mr. Busch brought extensive knowledge, wisdom and commitment to the University of Maryland Medical System Board,” said University of Maryland Medical System CEO John Ashworth in a statement. “When he spoke, people listened. The Speaker was a passionate advocate for the unique mission of UMMS as the state’ academically centered health care system and his expertise, insights and assistance were integral to the plans for the System’s recent expansion into Prince George’s County and the Southern Maryland region.” Busch, who had served as a board member said he was unaware of the deals offered other board members. Busch also led the House of Delegates as it passed historic legislation, including the legalization of same sex marriage in 2012, and sweeping gun control legislation in 2013. I love Mike Busch. I just love him. But I cannot even begin to share why in a tweet. Please read my statement on the passing of our great Speaker, Iron Mike Bush, here:https://t.co/mGtAoHejTW #MDGA19 @mdhousedems @SpeakerBusch @mddems — Del. Maggie McIntosh (@DelMaggie43) April 7, 2019 Busch was often referred to as Coach among his colleagues, due in part of the even-handed way he treated colleagues. Busch was often praised by Republicans, including Governor Larry Hogan who was able to work with the Democrat to pass major legislation, including a measure last year to protect the state’s health benefit exchange. We are heartbroken over the loss of Speaker Mike Busch. A consummate legislator, a leader for the times and a brilliant man of conviction and courage, Speaker Busch invariably worked to cultivate a more inclusive and welcoming Maryland. You will be dearly missed by so many. pic.twitter.com/1ffYVIqgLm — Steve Hershey (@SenatorHershey) April 7, 2019 Busch did clash with Hogan on a number of issues, leading the House of Delegates to override several of the Governor’s vetoes this year including a measure raising the minimum wage. Busch is survived by his wife Cindy, and his daughters Erin and Megan. Busch is also survived by three sisters, including Laurie Bernhardt, who in 2017 had donated part of her liver to save her brother’s life. At the time, Busch had been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, a hereditary condition. Busch told WBAL NewsRadio 1090 and FM 101.5 in December 2017 that all three of his sisters had volunteered to donate part of their liver. “It’s nice to have a family like that, I mean she is literally a lifesaver,” Busch said in the 2017 interview. He also noted on how the transplant changed him. “It’s something that brings you back to reality a little bit, about what’s important and what will go on without you,” Busch said. The experience became part of Busch’s legislative agenda, as the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill last year to create a tax credit for living organ donors. Statement of Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. My heart is broken for Mike Busch’s family, the State of Maryland, and the Speaker's extended family - elected officials and staff that he has been a mentor and coach to over his time in public service. Mike has been a friend for years, and has led the state to new heights of environmentalism and education, while ensuring that a new generation of leaders move our state forward. He was a true model of a State Delegate; he cared for every corner of the state, but never forgot about the people he was elected to represent. I will miss him as a friend and partner in state government and I join all the state in mourning his passing. 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 Baltimore City Ex Officio Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young's Statement on the Passing of Speaker Michael E. Busch BALTIMORE, MD - “I join the entire state of Maryland in mourning the passing of a true statesman. On behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Speaker’s family, close friends and staff. A wonderful son of Baltimore, Speaker Busch never forgot his beloved Charm City. In the aftermath of the unrest in Baltimore, the Speaker traveled to Baltimore to meet with me as he rallied around the City and was the architect of an ambitious multi-year, multi-million dollar funding plan that helped eliminate blight and contributed to enhanced recreational opportunities for young people. Speaker Busch truly had a heart for Baltimore. He was a man who wasn’t shy about using the considerable powers of his office to benefit average citizens. The City of Baltimore, and the entire state of Maryland is diminished by the loss of such a humble public servant.” WBAL-TV 11’s David Collins contributed reporting.<doc-sep>
Michael Busch, the longest-serving Maryland House speaker in the state’s history, died Sunday, his chief of staff said. Busch was 72. Busch, a Democrat who became speaker in 2003, had developed pneumonia after a follow-up procedure to a 2017 liver transplant. He had been diagnosed with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a liver disease. He also underwent heart bypass surgery in September, after experiencing shortness of breath. Chief of staff Alexandra Hughes said Busch was surrounded by loved ones at the time of death. He was known for his interest in health care, environmental measures to help the Chesapeake Bay and progressive polices. The state approved same-sex marriage and repealed the death penalty during his tenure as speaker. Legislation raising the state’s minimum wage was passed twice during his time in office. Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said flags will fly at half-staff to honor Busch, effective immediately until sunset of the day of interment. He described Busch as “a giant in our government” and said his legacy is evident in his many legislative achievements. “Speaker Busch and I came from different sides of the aisle, but we often came together in the best interests of the people of Maryland,” Hogan said. “He served with the decency and good nature of a teacher, a coach, and a family man. I was honored to know him and to work closely with him.” Alison Prost, the Maryland executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, highlighted Busch’s environmental work. “The Chesapeake Bay lost a champion today,” Prost said. “While there were many issues that were near and dear to Speaker Busch, he elevated saving the Bay to a priority for the General Assembly, and legislators followed his lead. He will be sorely missed.” Busch was first elected to the House in 1986. His district included the state capital of Annapolis, making him a frequent presence in the Maryland State House — even when the General Assembly was not in session. He was known as a consensus builder and an approachable good listener, qualities that helped him manage the diverse 141-member House of Delegates for as long as he did. He considered himself a progressive Democrat. He had a strong commitment to equal rights that resulted from growing up in the 1960s during the height of the civil rights movement against racial segregation. “That was ingrained in me from my grandparents to my parents and through the ’60s,” he told The Associated Press in 2002.