Happy birthday to the dean, the 411 on 311 on 3/11, and a standing invitation, in political notes

By: William J. Ford

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: March 13, 2026

Words: 1,175

Last Updated: 4 months, 3 weeks ago

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Legislators in both chambers paid homage this week to one of the General Assembly’s longest-serving members, Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-Prince George’s), who turned 85 on Wednesday.

Benson was not on hand to see her colleagues stand and applaud her, because she has not been present in the Senate since the 90-day session began Jan. 14. But the senator, affectionately called “the dean” of the Senate and currently the chamber’s majority whip, remains admired by …

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