• 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

Important Notice: No May 25, 2026 Meeting for the 202 Coalition Meetings

Important Notice: No May 25, 2026 Meeting

Due to Memorial Day, there will be no 202 Coalition meeting in May 2026. We understand the importance of these gatherings in keeping our community informed, connected, and engaged around vital resources and updates. Please note that the next 202 Coalition Meeting will take place on June 8, 2026, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations with you then.

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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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Senatorial Scholarship Program – District 24

Senatorial Scholarship Program – District 24

Thank you for your interest in the Senatorial Scholarship Program. Senator Joanne C. Benson is proud to support students from District 24 who are pursuing higher education. This scholarship is one of several financial aid opportunities available through the State of Maryland to help students achieve their academic and career goals. Awards are based primarily on financial need, and applicants must have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file by the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) deadline of March 1, 2026.

To be considered, students must also complete the required MHEC student profile through MDCAPS and submit all application materials by June 15, 2026. Scholarships are awarded for study at Maryland colleges and universities, unless a qualified “unique major” is only offered out-of-state and verified by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. We encourage you to review the full requirements and take the next step toward your future by downloading the flyer or visiting the scholarship page for complete details and application instructions.

Download Scholarship Flyer  |  Learn More & Apply

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Prince George's County Police Department Chief's Awards Ceremony honoring Senator Joanne C. Benson

Prince George’s County Police Department Chief’s Awards Ceremony

On May 20, 2026, Senator Joanne C. Benson was honored during the Prince George’s County Police Department Chief’s Awards Ceremony held at the MGM Theater National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The recognition was presented in profound appreciation for Senator Benson’s distinguished 35-year career of public service and her enduring commitment to the safety, strength, and well-being of the Prince George’s County community.

Throughout her tenure as both Delegate and Senator, Senator Benson has maintained a steadfast partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department while consistently supporting law enforcement, collaborative community leadership, and meaningful civic engagement.

The ceremony acknowledged her vision, integrity, and dedication to placing the community first — a legacy that continues to inspire future generations and leaves a lasting impact on both the department and the citizens it proudly serves.

Chief George Nader officially recognized Senator Benson for her committed partnership with the Prince George’s County Police Department and her unwavering dedication to the community.

The event was held at the MGM Theater National Harbor, located at 101 MGM National Avenue, Oxon Hill, Maryland.

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)

Maryland SNAP-Ed: Supporting Healthy Communities in FY2025

Maryland SNAP-Ed: Supporting Healthy Communities in FY2025

For more than 25 years, Maryland SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education) has helped local families lead healthier lives through increased food access, improved nutrition, and greater physical activity. Working in partnership with state agencies and community organizations across Maryland, SNAP-Ed has delivered comprehensive programs that provide nutrition education while also supporting policy, system, and environmental-level changes that encourage healthier choices and long-term wellness.

Fiscal Year 2025 highlights the continued reach and impact of Maryland SNAP-Ed’s statewide efforts. Through collaboration with community partners, the program implemented multi-faceted nutrition education initiatives designed to strengthen healthy behaviors and improve access to nutritious foods for families throughout Maryland. These efforts reflect the program’s long-standing commitment to helping communities build healthier lifestyles and sustainable food practices.

To learn more about SNAP programs and related services in Maryland, please visit Maryland Department of Human Services.

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Focused on District 24’s Priorities

SIGNUP

Family Message

A Message of Gratitude from Senator Benson & Family

Betty Jane Claybon Lee
Betty Jane Claybon Lee
Agnes Claybon
Agnes Claybon

The family of Senator Joanne C. Benson extends heartfelt thanks for the prayers, love, and compassion shared following the passing of her beloved sisters, Agnes Claybon and Betty Jane Claybon Lee.

Your kindness has been a source of strength and comfort during this difficult time.