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.

Read More

Why Mrs. Benson?

Latest News

Free Food Distributions for Former Federal Employees and Contractors

Free Food Distributions for Former Federal Employees and Contractors

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), in partnership with more than 400 community organizations, is providing free food distributions specifically for former federal employees and contractors who may be experiencing hardship.

Supporting our community—especially during difficult times—is at the heart of CAFB’s mission. These food distributions are designed to help ensure that no former federal worker or contractor goes without essential support.
If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, visit our Get Help page to find more distribution times and locations.
Questions - Call the Hunger Lifeline at (202) 644-9807 for more information. Click here to the visit the webiste .

Download Flyer
A New Era for Athletic Field Reservations in Prince George’s County

A New Era for Athletic Field Reservations in Prince George’s County

On January 6, 2025, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County will officially take over athletic field reservations. These reservations have migrated from Prince George’s County Public Schools to a new, streamlined platform at pgparks.com/fields. This user-friendly system is designed to make booking the county’s high-quality artificial turf fields easier and more efficient than ever.

The new reservation platform is part of a joint agreement with Prince George’s County Public Schools for the construction and operation of athletic field permitting. We encourage you to explore the system today by visiting pgparks.com/fields.

Learn More
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.

Read More
Support for Former Federal Employees: Emergency Loan Program Now Available

Support for Former Federal Employees: Emergency Loan Program Now Available

The Maryland Department of Labor has launched a new Federal Emergency Loan Program to support former federal employees in Maryland who have recently lost their jobs due to layoffs, agency relocations, or closures. This no-interest loan initiative was created under the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, signed by Governor Wes Moore, and aims to provide immediate financial relief to those impacted.

Eligible individuals may apply for a $700 no-interest loan, repayable after 180 days, with a possible 90-day extension. Applicants must be Maryland residents, recently terminated from federal employment on or after January 1, 2025, and currently experiencing financial hardship. To learn more and access the application portal, please view the resource flyer below or visit labor.maryland.gov/federalworkers.

Download Flyer
Now Accepting Applications: MSP Leadership & Career Development Seminar

Now Accepting Applications: MSP Leadership & Career Development Seminar

Do you know a rising high school junior, senior, or incoming college freshman interested in leadership and public service?

The 6th Annual Maryland State Police Leadership & Career Development Seminar is happening July 24–27, 2025 — and applications are officially open!

This free, four-day program offers students:
     - Hands-on activities with MSP professionals<
     - Leadership development workshops
     - Career exploration in law enforcement and public service

An incredible opportunity to build confidence, gain exposure, and explore a future in leadership.

Click here to learn more and apply

Download Flyer
Arc's Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

Arc's Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)

The Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) at The Arc provides free benefit screenings and application assistance to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities living in Prince George's County. We educate them on state and federal programs they may be eligible to receive.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RESIDENTS 18 YEARS & OLDER WITH DISABILITIES, BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Supplemental Security Income; Medicaid; State Disability Benefits; Temporary Food Assistance Program; Transit (Metro Access); Lifeline (Free State Cell Phone).

For more information, visit our website at www.thearcofpgc.org or call us at 301-335-9681. You can also download our flyer by clicking here.

Learn More

Thinking about your next move?

TAKE ACTION