Michael Busch, the longest-serving speaker of the House in Maryland history, has died.He was 72.Last week, he developed a case of pneumonia after a follow-up procedure for his liver transplant.Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted a statement Sunday afternoon, saying: "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."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. 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."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."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."Busch took the gavel as speaker in 2003. He joined the chamber in 1987. Colleagues affectionately referred to Busch as "coach" for his even-handed leadership. He was a mentor, a referee, the master of legislative maneuvering.Busch was an old school liberal who embodied the late House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pete Rawlings' enduring phrase about being fiscally prudent and socially responsible.Busch was a fierce, unflinching advocate for education, health care, public safety, the environment and the working poor. He orchestrated passage of the $15 an hour minimum wage bill.Busch first served on the House Judiciary Committee. He then chaired the Economic Matters Committee. He made his mark as chairman battling privatization of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance company. He won and prevented premiums going up for millions of health insurance customers. He pushed through the earned paid sick leave bill and embraced universal health care coverage. Raising the age to buy tobacco products to 21 was a legislative priority.Recognizing the state had a structural deficit, spending more than it took in, he fought for a penny increase in the state sales tax.He battled against slots during Gov. Bob Ehrlich's term as governor. He supported repealing the death penalty and endorsed same-sex marriage. Busch had coronary bypass surgery in 2018, and he had a liver transplant in 2017 -- his sister, Laura, was the donor.His parents urged him to get involved in politics while he was teaching history and coaching at St. Mary's High School. Busch played tailback at Temple University. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but his football career ended with a knee injury his junior year.He recently retired working for Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and two daughters, Erin and Megan.Senate President Mike Miller released a statement, saying, "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."

Michael Busch, the longest-serving speaker of the House in Maryland history, has died.

He was 72.

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House Speaker Michael Busch has passed. He was 72 pic.twitter.com/112b6ePQ2F — David Collins (@dcollinsWBAL) April 7, 2019

Last week, he developed a case of pneumonia after a follow-up procedure for his liver transplant.



Gov. Larry Hogan tweeted a statement Sunday afternoon, saying: "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.

"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. 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.



"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.



"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."



Busch took the gavel as speaker in 2003. He joined the chamber in 1987. Colleagues affectionately referred to Busch as "coach" for his even-handed leadership. He was a mentor, a referee, the master of legislative maneuvering.



Busch was an old school liberal who embodied the late House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pete Rawlings' enduring phrase about being fiscally prudent and socially responsible.

Busch was a fierce, unflinching advocate for education, health care, public safety, the environment and the working poor. He orchestrated passage of the $15 an hour minimum wage bill.



Busch first served on the House Judiciary Committee. He then chaired the Economic Matters Committee. He made his mark as chairman battling privatization of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance company. He won and prevented premiums going up for millions of health insurance customers. He pushed through the earned paid sick leave bill and embraced universal health care coverage. Raising the age to buy tobacco products to 21 was a legislative priority.

Recognizing the state had a structural deficit, spending more than it took in, he fought for a penny increase in the state sales tax.



He battled against slots during Gov. Bob Ehrlich's term as governor. He supported repealing the death penalty and endorsed same-sex marriage.

Busch had coronary bypass surgery in 2018, and he had a liver transplant in 2017 -- his sister, Laura, was the donor.

His parents urged him to get involved in politics while he was teaching history and coaching at St. Mary's High School. Busch played tailback at Temple University. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, but his football career ended with a knee injury his junior year.

He recently retired working for Anne Arundel County Parks and Recreation. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and two daughters, Erin and Megan.

Senate President Mike Miller released a statement, saying, "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."

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The Orioles mourn the loss of Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch and send our condolences to his wife, Cindy, their daughters, Erin and Megan, his family, colleagues, and friends. — Baltimore Orioles 😷 (@Orioles) April 7, 2019

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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

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Speaker Mike Busch cared deeply for his constituents & all of the people of Maryland, & he fought fearlessly for the issues he cared about. My heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Cindy, daughters Erin & Megan, his family & friends, and his colleagues in the House and Senate. https://t.co/JGrx8kPWi2 — Boyd Rutherford (@BoydKRutherford) April 7, 2019

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Need more leaders like @SpeakerBusch who listen with respect to all & bring folks together. I will miss you. TY for serving our great state! — Ken Ulman (@kenulman) April 7, 2019

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@SpeakerBusch was a true public servant as a teacher, coach, mentor, and legislator. Although I only served under his leadership for one term, he taught me the meaning of "citizen legislator" and respect for our government institutions. Thank you Coach!!! — Keiffer Mitchell (@KeifferMitchell) April 7, 2019

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This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.