Joanne C. Benson
Joanne Claybon Benson (born March 11, 1941) is an American politician who represents district 24 in the Maryland State Senate.
Joanne Claybon Benson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Maryland Senate from the 24th district | |
| Assumed office 2011 | |
| Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 24th district | |
| In office 1991–2011 | |
| Preceded by | Nathaniel Exum |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 11, 1941 Roanoke, Virginia, United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Hyattsville, Maryland |
| Occupation | Educator |
Background
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, March 11, 1941, Delegate Benson attended South Hagerstown High School and then graduated from Bowie State College with a BS in education in 1961. She later attended The Catholic University of America where she earned her M.A. in curriculum instruction in 1972.
In the legislature
Delegate Benson was a member of House of Delegates from 1991 to 2011. She served on the House Health and Government Operations Committee and its health occupations subcommittee, long-term care subcommittee, and its minority health disparities subcommittee. She is also a member and former chair of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. In 2010 she defeated incumbent state senator Nathaniel Exum and was sworn into office in January 2011.
Legislative notes
- voted for the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 (HB359)
- voted in favor of the Tax Reform Act of 2007(HB2)
- voted in favor of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants in 2007 (HB6)