Mike's Bio
Encouraged to run for office by the parents of children he coached in local sports, Mike Busch was first elected to the Maryland legislature in 1986. He is currently serving his 19th year in the Maryland House of Delegates.
Known for his remarkable ability to build consensus among his colleagues and interest groups alike, Mike was appointed to chair the House Economic Matters Committee in 1994. He has worked tirelessly on health care and education funding issues. He has built a solid reputation for taking on tough issues and working effectively with members of both political parties. Mike was elected by local Anne Arundel County legislators to serve as chair of their delegation from 1991 through 1993.
In 2003, he was elected unanimously by all 141 of his colleagues to serve as speaker of the House of Delegates. In this vital leadership role, Mike works closely with the governor and members of the state Senate on policy issues facing Maryland. He presides over the public sessions of the House of Delegates during the annual 90-day legislative session which begins in January.
Mike is known for his even-handed leadership and his willingness to tackle complex issues, especially in the areas of health care, insurance and economic development. Most recently, he led the effort to address the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance premiums that helped keep doctors practicing medicine in Maryland.
In 2000 and 2001, he spearheaded efforts to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible for seniors and low-income individuals. In 2002, he fought to keep the state's largest health insurer from converting to a for-profit company and being acquired by an out-state-corporation. In addition, he has worked diligently to maintain affordable health insurance for Maryland's small business community.
Mike is a native Marylander. He was born in Baltimore City on January 4, 1947. His family moved to Anne Arundel County in 1958. He is a graduate of St. Mary's High School in Annapolis
Once aggressively recruited as a top prospect for the National Football League, Mike's football career ended with a knee injury in 1968. He graduated from Temple University in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in history.
After college, he returned to Annapolis to teach and coach at St. Mary's High School from 1973 through 1979. He remains active in youth and community athletics. He is currently an employee of the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks Department where he has worked for 25 years.
Mike has been appointed to serve on a number of local boards including the Charles Carroll House, the Banneker Douglass Foundation and the Annapolis Touchdown Club. He's an avid golfer and, along with his family, enjoys attending concerts, plays and professional sporting events.
