Joanne (Joanne) C. Benson (D-SS24)
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Capitol: 301.858.3148
FAX: 301.858.3149
District: 301.858.3148
District FAX: 301.858.3149
Senator
Room 201 James Senate Office Building 11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991

District Office:
11 Bladen Street
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
Elected: 2010    Next Election: 2026
DOB: 3/11/1941
Committee Assignments
MemberSubcommittee on Pensions
MemberJoint Committee on Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight
MemberJoint Committee on Audit and Evaluation
MemberSpecial Joint Committee on Pensions
MemberSubcommittee on Education, Business and Administration
MemberJoint Committee on Ending Homelessness
MemberSenate Committee on Budget and Taxation
MemberJoint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families
Counties Representing
Prince George's

Bio

First elected to the Senate in 2010. Member of the Senate since 2011. Member of the Maryland House of Delegates, 1991-2011.

Past Senate Service Assistant Deputy Majority Leader, 2017-2019; Health Subcommittee of the Finance Committee, 2017-2019; Paycheck Recovery Commission, 2016-2017; Workgroup on the Maryland Open Transportation Investment Decision Act, 2017-2019; Senate Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Protocol, 2015-2019; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Education Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2011-2014; Financial Consumer Protection Commission, 2017-2019; Chair, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2013-2014; Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, 2011-2014; Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, Senate Chair, 2011-2012; Commission to Study Campaign Finance Law, 2011-2012.

Past House Service 1991-2011 Government Operations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2007-2011; Protocol Committee, 2007-2011; Joint Committee on Children, Youth, and Families, 2003-2011; Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2011; Prince George's County Delegation, 2007-2011; Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005-2011; House Chair, Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services, 2005-2011; Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 2001-2011; Pharmaceuticals Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005-2006; Chair, Law Enforcement and State-Appointed Boards Committee, 1999-2006; Insurance Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2005; Health Occupations Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Long-Term Care Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Public Health Subcommittee of the Health and Government Operations Committee, 2003-2004; Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1994-2003; Vice Chair, Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 2001-2003; Chair, State Government and Procurement Subcommittee of the Commerce and Governmental Matters Committee, 1999-2003; Deputy Majority Leader, 1999-2001; Procurement Subcommittee of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-1998; Chair, State Government and Civil Rights Subcommittee of the Commerce and Government Matters Committee, 1995-1998; Environmental Matters Committee, 1992-1993; Constitutional and Administrative Law Committee, 1991-1992.

Public Service Governor's Workforce Development Board, 2020-; Maryland State Council on Cancer Control, 2019-2020; Prince George's County - Affordable Housing Commission, 2018-; Maryland Medicaid Advisory Committee, 2017-2019; Metropolitan Washington Air Quality Committee, 2011-; Task Force to Study the Impact of Adjunct Faculty on Graduation Rates at Historically Black Institutions, 2011-2013; Task Force on the Establishment of a Statewide Spay/Neuter Fund, 2011-2013; Maryland School-Based Health Care Policy Advisory Council, 2007-2011; Maryland Commission on Disabilities, 2004-2011; Task Force to Study Repealing the Disenfranchisement of Convicted Felons in Maryland, 2001; Task Force to Study the History and Legacy of Slavery in Maryland, 1999; Delegate, Democratic Party National Convention, 1996; Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (Chair 1995-96), 1991-; Chair, Civil Rights committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2000; Chair, State Budget Committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2000; Chair, Education Committee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2001-; Treasurer, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2004-2010.

Memberships Legislative Committee, Women Legislators of Maryland, 2011-; Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Caucus, 2003-; Honorary Life Member, Girl Scouts of America, 1980-; Coalition of 100 Black Women; Prince George's County Educator's Association, Negotiations Team; Maryland State Teacher's Association (MTSA); National Education Association (NEA); Prince George's Bargaining Council; Coalition of Economic Development; Black Democratic Council.

Awards Wayne K. Curry Award for Leadership in Public Service, Community Foundation of Prince George's County, 2019; Phyllis Campbell Newsome Public Policy Leadership Award, Center for Nonprofit Advancement, 2009; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008; Community Service Award, J. Franklyn Bourne Bar Association, 1989; For Love of Children Award, Kiwanis Club of Capitol Centre, 1985; Outstanding Minority Leader, Outstanding and Dedicated Services to Children and Youth, Outstanding Minority Leadership Award, Outstanding Educator, Prince George's County Public Schools; Outstanding Community Service Award, Las Amigas; Citizen of Year, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; Outstanding Minority Educator, MSTA Minority Caucus.

Biographical Information Born, Roanoke, Virginia, March 11, 1941; South Hagerstown High School; Bowie State College, B.S., Elementary Education, 1962; Catholic University of America, M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, 1974; George Washington University; Retired Educator; School Administrator; Former School Principal, Prince George's County Public School System; Member, First Baptist Church of Glenarden.








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