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Hoyer Statement on the Passing of Speaker Michael Busch

April 7, 2019

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the passing of Maryland House of Delegates Speaker Michael Busch:

"The state of Maryland lost a true champion today. Speaker Michael Busch served his state with distinction and honor and fought tirelessly for families throughout our state. In an era of mean-spirited politics and irresponsible rhetoric, Speaker Busch was an example of civility, compassion, and fairness. I will personally miss him as a dear friend and a public servant of great integrity and honest policies.

"Mike's passion for leadership was born out of his career of teaching and coaching in Annapolis. To this day, he was affectionately referred to as ‘Coach' by his colleagues in the State House and was widely respected for his ability to reach across the aisle to get things done.

"During his time in public service, he led the charge to expand access to health care for thousands of Marylanders, to protect the oyster population and improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and to ensure more families had access to opportunity. Mike also fought to ensure marriage equality in Maryland, and he worked to improve education and fund school construction throughout our state.

"But more than his legislative accomplishments, Mike was a dear friend – to me and to so many colleagues he served with and mentored in the Maryland General Assembly. We will miss his counsel and his friendship deeply.

"Today is a sad day for the city of Annapolis, which he was so proud to serve, and our entire State. My thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, Erin, and Megan and the entire Busch family as well his colleagues, constituents, and staff. As we reflect on his life and legacy, may we continue to be guided by his spirit of bipartisanship and service."