JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES, INC. (Appropriates the sum of $3,000,000 to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.)

S2559

2026 -- S 2559
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LC005186
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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 $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES,
INC.

Introduced By:
Senators Bissaillon, LaMountain, McKenney, Britto, Dimitri, Mack, and
DiPalma

Date Introduced:
February 13, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Finance
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WHEREAS, Each year, thousands of hardworking low-income Rhode Island families,
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victims of domestic violence, Veterans, and older residents depend on Rhode Island Legal
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Services, Inc. for legal representation and assistance; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization with statewide
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operations; and
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WHEREAS, In 2025, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. opened 5,805 cases and closed
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4,713; and
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WHEREAS, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. has prioritized helping Rhode Islanders
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obtain safe, affordable housing, income maintenance and food, a healthy community, family
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preservation and safety, financial stability, high-quality and appropriate education, and
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employment and workers’ rights; and
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WHEREAS, Since its founding, Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc. has helped over two
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hundred thousand Rhode Islanders lead safe, productive, and self-sufficient lives; now, therefore
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be it
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RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not
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otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2026-2027, the sum of three million dollars
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($3,000,000) to Rhode Island Legal Services, Inc.; and the state controller is hereby directed to
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draw their orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof

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as may be from time to 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 $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND LEGAL SERVICES,
INC.
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This resolution would appropriate the sum of $3,000,000 to Rhode Island Legal Services,
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Inc.
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LC005186
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