• Senator Benson
    Unbossed and Standing on Principle
  • Senator Benson
    Unbossed and Standing on Principle

Meet Joanne C. Benson

Joanne C. Benson was elected in 1991 to The House of Delegates of the Maryland General Assembly to represent Prince George’s County’s 24th Legislative District. In 2011 she was elected to serve as the 24th District’s first female Senator. Senator Benson currently serves in the Senate Leadership as Majority Whip. She is a member of the Budget and Taxation Committee, serves on the Joint Committees on Education, Business and Administration, Pensions, Audit and Evaluations, Children, Youth and Families; Ending Homelessness; Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight; and has been appointed to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. She also is a member of the Women Legislators of Maryland and the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.

Joanne C. Benson was born in Roanoke, Virginia. She is the daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. William Claybon. She is one of a patrician line of six --- four sisters and one brother. Her family relocated early on to Hagerstown, Maryland where she attended public schools and graduated from South Hagerstown High School. Mrs. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bowie State University and a Master of Arts Degree from Catholic University. She believes that education is one of the most powerful tools anyone could possess. She is a constant proponent for the strongest quality education for all Prince George’s County’s children.

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Latest News

Maryland Senate Chamber

2026 END OF SESSION LETTER

"If we don't educate our children, we don't have to worry about our future, because there won't be one!"

The 2026 Legislative Session ended Monday, April 13th, at 12:00 a.m. As a forty-year veteran educator and public servant, I have dedicated my life to serving those who need it most. My beloved residents have afforded me the privilege to represent their interests. That is where my heart truly lies. I have remained an unwavering defender for those who cannot speak for themselves, our seniors, our veterans, our children, and our working families — grounded in a deep commitment to service and focused on delivering real, tangible results for every one of my constituents.

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All Kids Access – A Resource for Families

All Kids Access – A Resource for Families

All Kids Access is an all-in-one directory and app that helps families discover inclusive programs, activities, camps, events, and resources for every child—all in one place.

From early childhood to teens, and for children of all abilities, our goal is simple: make it easier for families to find what they need and give every child access to the opportunities they deserve.

Do you run a program for kids with disabilities in Maryland?

Submit your program to All Kids Access so Maryland families can discover your services. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

Explore All Kids Access at:
AllKidsAccess.com

Maryland 2025 Special Session: Bills Vetoed by the Governor

Overview of 2025 Special Session Vetoed Legislation

During the 2025 Special Session, the Governor vetoed a range of House and Senate bills touching on education, climate and environmental policy, data centers, disability services, public safety, healthcare cybersecurity, and youth and technology. The vetoed measures included proposals to expand local food purchasing for schools, study the total assessed cost of greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen planning for Maryland’s energy grid, and create new programs such as the Maryland Disability Service Animal Program and an Artificial Intelligence Evidence Clinic Pilot Program for the courts.

Several bills are of particular interest to Prince George’s County residents, including a data center impact analysis (HB 270 / SB 116), a noise abatement monitoring systems pilot program for Montgomery and Prince George’s County (SB 121), the Maryland Reparations Commission (SB 587), and studies and workgroups focused on protecting the healthcare ecosystem from cyber threats and ensuring reliable, affordable energy for Marylanders. This document provides bill-by-bill summaries, chapter numbers, and effective dates so constituents can review all details.

Download Full List of Vetoed Bills (PDF)

Senior Resource Fair - October 22, 2026

SENIOR RESOURCE FAIR

Save the Date!

Join us for the Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon.

Location:
410 Addison Road South
Capitol Heights, MD 20743
Rear Parking Lot – Omega Room Entrance

Presented by the Prince George's Senior Provider Network (PGSPN) and The Maryland Umbrella Group.

Registration Information Coming Soon
LLD Scholars Free College Scholarship and Career Expo 2026

FREE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP & CAREER EXPO 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Students are invited to attend the annual LLD Scholars Free College Scholarship & Career Expo. Explore college, scholarship, and career opportunities and connect with resources to help prepare for your future.

First Baptist Church of Highland Park
6801 Sheriff Road
Landover, MD 20785

Register Now
Caregiver Connections Kit - Stay Sharp at the Library

Caregiver Connections Kit – Stay Sharp @ the Library

Launching November 2! The Prince George's County Memorial Library System is introducing the Caregiver Connections Kit, a special collection of books, activities, and resources designed for caregivers and their loved ones. The kits help spark memories, encourage meaningful conversations, and promote connection and well-being.

Memories connect us. Stories keep us strong. Families, friends, and caregivers can use the materials to reminisce, engage in interactive activities, and enjoy meaningful moments together.

Available for checkout at three library branches:

  • Greenbelt Branch
  • South Bowie Branch
  • Upper Marlboro Branch

Your Feedback Matters! Each kit includes a brief survey. When returning the kit, please complete the survey and return it to the library's front desk. Your feedback will help improve the program and better serve the community.

Additional Caregiver Resources: Ask the library's front desk for a Caregiver Resource Tag containing helpful information, support services, and local resources for caregivers and their loved ones.

This initiative brings together the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Maryland Umbrella Group, Council Member Tim Adams (District 4), Dementia Friendly America, and the Department of Family Services.

Download Flyer



2026 Fall Newsletter

Focused on District 24’s Priorities

SIGNUP