“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 - 2021 January 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

Pepco Reminds Customers of Important Programs and Assistance Available to Aid Those Who Are Behind on Their Energy Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 12, 2020) – Pepco is reminding customers who may be financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to contact the company now to establish payment arrangements and get connected to customer assistance programs that can help get their accounts up to date. Pepco recognizes the ongoing financial challenges some customers are facing as a result of the pandemic and is committed to working with customers individually to help with the continuation of their electric service.

Learn More

Career Readiness Workshop in Joseph/The Washington Post)

Get Help With Your Taxes

If you made $57,000 or less in 2020 you may qualify for FREE tax preparation! CASH is an IRS program that has new and safe ways for you to file taxes for free. Learn More HERE

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic there is a limited number of free tax prep appointments available this year. Wait times to reach our scheduling line may be unusually long and we understand this is frustrating. We are working to add more appointments as soon as we can. We want our clients to be assured we remain committed to delivering them the best services possible, as safely as possible. Our clients still remain our first priority.

You MUST have an appointment to receive our free services. Start by calling 410-234-8008 M-F 9:00 am – 3:00 pm, then choose between our Virtual or Drop-Off tax prep services.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Black History Month

Facebook image Senator Joanne Benson – Living Black History – PGChangemaker Screenshot

‘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)