JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.)

H7706

2026 -- H 7706
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LC004693
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
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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:
Representatives Shallcross Smith, Hull, Sanchez, Potter, Voas, Kazarian,
Casimiro, Diaz, Fellela, and Fogarty

Date Introduced:
February 11, 2026

Referred To:
House Finance
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WHEREAS, Since 2007, the United Way of Rhode Island has operated and maintained
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2-1-1 as a free and confidential service for all Rhode Islanders, one that is available 24 hours a
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day, every day, 365 days per year, in nearly 200 languages and dialects that provides a direct
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human connection to solve life’s most pressing problems; and
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WHEREAS, By call, text or chat 2-1-1, Rhode Islanders find assistance on everything
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from housing to child care to healthcare services and food and shelter, as well as help with tax
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preparation and utilities; and
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WHEREAS, Insights gained from 2-1-1 help multiple state departments by and through
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the United Way of Rhode Island identify the changing needs of Rhode Islanders to better serve
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our community; and
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WHEREAS, The 2023-2024 United Way of Rhode Island Community Impact Report
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stated that more than 190,000 requests for help were received by 2-1-1 with the majority focused
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on requests relating to help, stability, and resources; and
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WHEREAS, 2-1-1 plays a critical communications role during natural disasters or other
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state crises; including floods and winter snow storms; and
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WHEREAS, The community as a whole benefits from 2-1-1 because it helps people
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connect with the information they need, when they need it most, and increases efficiency by
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helping callers define their needs and identify multiple available services; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated to the United Way, a Rhode Island

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domestic nonprofit corporation, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), out of any
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monies in the treasury not otherwise appropriated for fiscal year 2026-2027, to provide
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operational support for the 2-1-1 system; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed
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to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may
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be from time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers.
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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 APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND
FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE
***
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $500,000 to the United
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Way of Rhode Island to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 system.
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LC004693
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