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

Unbossed and Standing on Principle

Greetings Constituents and Friends:

With pleasure I welcome you to the 24th Legislative District website. I am pleased to be your Senator as we continue to “raise the bar” of prosperity.

Our goal is to keep you informed regarding those issues which impact our community and state. If you wish to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to let us know. In addition, I am available to visit your meetings to provide information or assist with any problems you may have.

You may contact my office at 301-858-3148 or by emailing me at joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us. Thanks for your unwavering support and attention.

Yours truly,

Joanne C. Benson

Upcoming Events

WHEN: Every Fourth Monday Of The Month - COVID-19 Restrictions
Due to COVID-19 restrictions and to safeguard our constituents, the Greater 202 Coalition has suspended its “Every Fourth Monday of the Month” meetings until further notice. Instead, we will reach out to you around the 4th week of each month by U.S. Postal Service mail or by email. Contact my office at 301-858-3148 for more information or email dwitcher@senate.state.md.us to be added to our mailing list.

The 202 Coalition - 2020 November and December Letter

In The Community

Food Pantries in Prince George’s Maryland

Food pantries and distribution centers in Prince George’s County Maryland administer several assistance programs. The locations may have meals, free food, gift baskets and items such as clothing available to the low income seniors and disabled in the community. Resources offered by these centers can range from groceries and boxes of food up through limited amounts of financial help for bills, housing, or basic needs such as diapers or baby formula.

Download List Food Pantries

Pepco Warns Customers About Utility Scammers During COVID-19 Pandemic

With the District of Columbia, Maryland and the world experiencing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pepco is reminding customers to always be on alert for potential scams targeting energy customers. Scams occur throughout the year, but the company has seen an increase in scam attempts with scammers using this health crisis to take advantage of energy customers throughout the United States.

Learn More

Underemployed? Unemployed?
Do you need help paying your gas and electric bill?

You may be eligible to apply for utility bill assistance through the State Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Click here to see current income guidelines.

Apply online at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us
Apply by Phone: Call 1-800-332-6347 Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm if you need help with an application by phone.
Apply by Mail: No internet access? Call 1-800-332-6347 Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm to request an application by mail.

NOTE: This information was prepared by the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel. Contact: dlinfo_opd@maryland.gov for questions or visit www.opc.maryland.gov for more updates on utilites and resources.

Do you need help to afford food right now?

You may be eligible to apply for financial assistance to purchase food for your household through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Click here to see current income guidelines.

Apply online at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us
Apply by Phone: Call 1-800-332-6347 Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm if you need help with an application by phone.
Apply by Mail: No internet access? Call 1-800-332-6347 Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm to request an application by mail.

Actions to Take This Flu Season - Get Your Flu Shot

Maryland Senior Check Call 1-866-50-Check Flyer

Career Readiness Workshop in Joseph/The Washington Post)

‘A triumph of hope’: Maryland leaders welcome home man sentence at age 15 - The Washington Post

Rachel Chason - Monday, July 8th 2019

Curtis Brooks had been out of prison in Colorado for one week when he arrived at a church in suburban Maryland on Monday, doling out hugs and posing for pictures with U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and state Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince George’s).

He’d spent the past 24 years behind bars, after being sentenced to life without parole for his involvement at age 15 in a carjacking that led to a fatal shooting in Aurora, Colo. Another boy pulled the trigger.

Maryland state Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince George’s) gives Curtis Brooks, her former pupil, a pat on the head as he returns to Maryland after serving 24 years in prison in Colorado. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post)