2023 -- H 6389
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LC002896
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S TATE OF RHODE IS LAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023
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J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FOR THE
RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVIC ES PROGRAM (RIVESP)
Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Hull, O'Brien, and Noret
Date Introduced: May 10, 2023
Referred To: House Finance
WHEREAS, The Sherlock Task Force was charged with establishing recommendations 1
that would provide ongoing funding for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services Program 2
(RIVESP) which was created by legislation in 2006; and 3
WHEREAS, Over the course of meetings held in 2021 and 2022, the Task Force heard 4
testimony, and reviewed presentation material, pertaining to critical issues related to vision 5
services and the Sherlock Center including funding, staffing, governance and structure, the need 6
for operational improvements, and the use of alternative programs by certain municipalities; and 7
WHEREAS, The Task Force’s recommendations for governance and structure initiatives 8
that would improve RIVESP operations include: 9
• Appointing a full-time director of the program who will: 10
o Have full decision-making authority; 11
o Develop and manage the program’s budget; and 12
o Develop staffing policies to ensure the highest quality education. 13
• Establish a Board of Directors to: 14
o Provide community oversight; 15
o Identify the educational needs of students; and 16
o Develop educational policies to meet the needs of the students; and 17
WHEREAS, A State budget line item appropriation is essential to the continued 18
operation and success of RIVESP; now, therefore be it 19
LC002896 - Page 2 of 3
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not 1
otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2023-2024, the sum of three million dollars 2
($3,000,000) to Rhode Island College for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services 3
Program (RIVESP) which shall include the IDEA Part B State Discretionary Funds; and the state 4
controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the 5
payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of 6
properly authenticated vouchers. 7
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LC002896 - Page 3 of 3
EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIAT ION OF $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FOR THE
RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVIC ES PROGRAM (RIVESP)
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $3,000,000 to Rhode 1
Island College for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services Program. 2
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LC002896
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