2025 -- S 0871
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LC002566
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
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J O I N T R E S O L U T I O N
MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND
FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE
Introduced By: Senators Britto, McKenney, Raptakis, Appollonio, Vargas, and Tikoian
Date Introduced: March 21, 2025
Referred To: Senate Finance
WHEREAS, Since 2007, the United Way of Rhode Island has operated and maintained 1
2-1-1 as a free and confidential service for all Rhode Islanders, one that is available 24 hours a 2
day, every day, 365 days per year, in nearly 200 languages and dialects that provides a direct 3
human connection to solve life’s most pressing problems; and 4
WHEREAS, By call, text or chat 2-1-1, Rhode Islanders find assistance on everything 5
from housing to child care to health care services and food and shelter, as well as help with tax 6
preparation and utilities; and 7
WHEREAS, Insights gained from 2-1-1 help multiple state departments by and through 8
the United Way of Rhode Island identify the changing needs of Rhode Islanders to better serve 9
our community; and 10
WHEREAS, The 2023-2024 United Way of Rhode Island Community Impact Report 11
stated that more than 190,000 requests for help were received by 2-1-1 with the majority focused 12
on requests relating to help, stability, and resources; and 13
WHEREAS, 2-1-1 plays a critical communications role during natural disasters or other 14
state crises; including floods and winter snow storms; and 15
WHEREAS, The community as a whole benefits from 2-1-1 because it helps people 16
connect with the information they need, when they need it most, and increases efficiency by 17
helping callers define their needs and identify multiple available services; now, therefore be it 18
RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated to the United Way, a Rhode Island 19
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domestic nonprofit corporation, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), out of any 1
monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2025-2026, to provide 2
operational support for the 2-1-1 system; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed 3
to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may 4
be from time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers. 5
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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 $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND
FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE
***
This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United 1
Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system. 2
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LC002566
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