Meet Mrs. 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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Why Mrs. Benson?

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.

Latest News

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)

Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Inspection Program

Sidewalk Snow & Ice Removal Requirements

In Prince George’s County, property owners and occupants are responsible for keeping the paved sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice. Under County law, sidewalks must be cleared within 48 hours after snow has fallen or ice accumulates. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the Department of Permitting, Inspections & Enforcement (DPIE).

The County prioritizes enforcement near commercial areas, school routes, state highways, and major gathering places. DPIE does not remove snow from private sidewalks, so residents and businesses must make arrangements to ensure timely compliance.

Learn More on the County Website

Maryland Senate Chamber

2025 END OF SESSION LETTER

On Monday, April 7th, 2025, at 12:00 a.m., the 447th Legislative Session of the Maryland General Assembly ended. I deeply appreciate your input and wonderful unwavering support as we continue to put initiatives into law which will move us onward, upward, and outward. Many decisions in this session were very difficult, such as our overwhelming opposition to internet gambling but with your help, I voted with a focus and firm conviction in protecting our future and interest. While many of our legislative bills did not pass, I am looking forward to reintroducing them next session. This was a fast-paced session which kept us focused and extremely busy. I would like to share legislation and bond bills which directly impact our communities.

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