Saying Goodbye to Mike Busch
A champion for public schools
It is impossible to reflect on the 2019 legislative session without recognizing the difficult news on the passing of House Speaker Michael E. Busch. On the day before Sine Die — the last day of the legislative session — Speaker Busch died after complications of pneumonia that followed previous health challenges after a liver transplant two years ago.
His public and successful battles over the years earned him the nickname of “Iron Mike.” He was a former teacher and coach and successfully led the House chamber as a champion and stalwart of public education since 2003.
Michael E. Busch, the longest-serving House of Delegates speaker in Maryland history and a champion of the state’s…www.baltimoresun.com
The longest-serving Speaker of the House in Maryland history was respected for his leadership, honesty, and progressive drive to make Maryland a national leader in education, health care, and the environment. The final day of session brought tears and tributes to a man everyone in his chamber viewed as their “coach.”
Speaker Busch’s brand of politics, leadership, and friendship will be dearly missed. MSEA joins Marylanders across the state and across the political spectrum in honoring a giant of a man and sending our love and support to his family and staff.
— Sean Johnson, MSEA Chief Lobbyist