JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND PROGRAM (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) to the Main Street Rhode Island Program.)

S2676

2026 -- S 2676
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LC005787
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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 $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND
PROGRAM

Introduced By:
Senators Urso, Acosta, DiPalma, Thompson, Tikoian, Bissaillon,
Vargas, Zurier, and Murray

Date Introduced:
February 27, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Finance
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WHEREAS, In 2025, the General Assembly passed a Joint Resolution that established
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the three (3) year Main Street Rhode Island program to be managed by Grow Smart Rhode
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Island, and which became law on July 3, 2025; and
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WHEREAS, Article 1 Sub A as amended of the House Budget appropriated $125,000 to
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fund the first year of the program; and
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WHEREAS, The law empowered the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to accept
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monies and disburse them directly to Grow Smart Rhode Island through an existing fund, for the
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implementation of the program; and
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WHEREAS, Main Street Rhode Island launched immediately on the passage of the law
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in 2025, and eleven (11) district cohorts have formed throughout the state in the first year,
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representing ten (10) cities and towns; and
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WHEREAS, There is a desire to continue the program in earnest in year two (2), to
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advance the work of the current eleven (11) district cohorts, and to bring additional districts into
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the program; now therefore be it
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RESOLVED, That an appropriation in the amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars
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($150,000) be directed to fund Main Street Rhode Island in FY 2027; and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation is hereby empowered to
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accept and disburse these monies intended for Main Street Rhode Island to Grow Smart Rhode
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Island in FY 2027, on or before the expiration date of December 31, 2026, in order to allow the

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appropriation of any portion of the monies held in the fund created pursuant to chapter 64.27 of
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title 42 to Grow Smart Rhode Island to support expenditures related to the administration of and
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execution of the Main Street America Four Points Approach; and be it further
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RESOLVED, The state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw their orders
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upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so much thereof as may be from time
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to time required, upon receipt of property authenticated vouchers.
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LC005787
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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 $150,000 TO THE MAIN STREET RHODE ISLAND
PROGRAM
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This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of one hundred fifty
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thousand dollars ($150,000) to the Main Street Rhode Island Program.
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LC005787
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