Joanne C. Benson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joanne C. Benson
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Benson in 2025
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| Member of the Maryland Senate from the 24th district |
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| Assumed office January 12, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Nathaniel Exum |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 24th district |
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| In office January 9, 1991 – January 12, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Francis J. Santangelo Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Tiffany T. Alston |
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| Born | March 11, 1941 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residences | Hyattsville, Maryland, U.S. |
| Education | Bowie State College (BS) The Catholic University of America (MA) |
| Occupation | Educator |
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Joanne Claybon Benson, born on March 11, 1941, is an American politician. She currently serves in the Maryland State Senate, representing District 24. Before that, she was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for the same district.
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About Joanne Benson's Early Life and School
Joanne Benson was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on March 11, 1941. She went to South Hagerstown High School. Later, she studied at Bowie State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in education in 1961. In 1972, she received her Master of Arts degree from The Catholic University of America. Her master's degree focused on how to plan and teach school lessons.
Joanne Benson's Work in Government
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Benson was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1991 to 2011. During that time, she worked on the House Health and Government Operations Committee. She also served on subcommittees that looked at health jobs, long-term care, and health differences for minority groups. She is also a member and former leader of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. She still helps at their meetings by offering an inspiring prayer as the Caucus's chaplain.
In 2010, she won against the sitting state senator, Nathaniel Exum. She officially started her new role in the Senate in January 2011. In 2020, she was chosen to be the Senate's Deputy Majority Leader. Since 2019, she has been the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
In 2019, Benson worked with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper. They helped to change the prison sentence of Curtis Brooks. He had been given a life sentence as a young person.
What Joanne Benson Believes In
Rules About Guns
In 2019, Benson suggested a new law. This law would stop people from making or selling guns that are made privately. These are guns that don't have serial numbers.
Minimum Wage for Workers
In 2019, Benson voted to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour. However, she was disappointed that the new wage would not start until 2025.
Social Issues and Rights
Benson did not support a bill in 2011 that aimed to make same-sex marriage in Maryland legal. She said she did not see gay marriage as a civil rights issue. Even though she was not there for the vote, she stated she would have voted against it. In 2012, she voted against a similar bill called the Civil Marriage Protection Act.
In 2022, Benson supported a law to give paid family leave to all workers in Maryland. She said that paid family leave "should not be viewed as a privilege, but as something that is humane and just." This means she believes it's a basic and fair right for everyone.
Taxes and Money
In 2013, Benson voted for a law to increase taxes on fuel in Maryland.
Transportation and Roads
In 2021, Benson introduced a bill about transportation. This bill aimed to make sure the Maryland Department of Transportation kept its promises. These promises were about making the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270 wider. They also included updating the American Legion Memorial Bridge. The bill passed in the House of Delegates in March. However, it did not get a vote in the Senate.
Joanne Benson's Personal Life
Benson is a member of the First Baptist Church of Glenarden.
