JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $500,000 TO THE UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND FOR THE 2-1-1 HUMAN SERVICES HOTLINE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Appollonio and 5 co-sponsors

Appropriates a one-year $500,000 from general revenue to United Way of Rhode Island to operate the 2-1-1 hotline, with voucher-based disbursements for FY2025-26.

06/20/2025 Senate read and passed

What the bill would do

Establishes an appropriation of $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island (a Rhode Island nonprofit organization) to provide operational support for the 2-1-1 human services hotline.

The funding would come from the state treasury (general revenue) “not otherwise appropriated” for fiscal year 2025-2026.

The state controller would be authorized to issue payments from the general treasurer upon properly authenticated vouchers.

Purpose and rationale

2-1-1 has operated since 2007 as a free, confidential service available 24/7/365 in nearly 200 languages, offering direct human connection to help Rhode Islanders access essential services.

Call, text, or chat options direct residents to resources for housing, child care, health care, food, shelter, utilities, tax assistance, and related supports.

The service aids state departments by identifying evolving needs and improving service delivery; it also functions as a critical communication channel during natural disasters or crises.

In 2023-2024, 2-1-1 reportedly received over 190,000 requests, underscoring its ongoing demand and impact.

Key provisions

Appropriation: $500,000 to the United Way of Rhode Island for the purpose of providing operational support for the 2-1-1 system.

Source and scope: Funds drawn from general treasury monies not otherwise appropriated, allocated for FY 2025-2026.

Disbursement mechanism: Payments to be made by the state controller upon vouchers (documentation of authorized expenditures).

Who/what would be affected

Primary recipient: United Way of Rhode Island (operational administrator of 2-1-1).

Beneficiaries: Rhode Island residents who rely on 2-1-1 for access to housing, health, child care, food, shelter, and related services; state agencies leveraging 2-1-1 data and referrals; communities impacted by emergencies where 2-1-1 serves as a key communication channel.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: March 21, 2025.

Referred to: Senate Finance.

Legislative actions:

Hearing/consideration scheduled in May 2025; committee recommended passage on June 5, 2025.
Placed on Senate Calendar June 18, 2025.
Senate read and passed on June 20, 2025.

Status: As of June 20, 2025, the Senate has passed the measure. House action is not indicated in the provided information.

Nature of the measure: Joint Resolution (not a permanent statute) that provisions an appropriation for a specific fiscal year.

Potential impact and considerations

Provides targeted funding to sustain a critical information and referral service for residents, with broader benefits for crisis response and system-wide service coordination.

Fiscal impact is limited to a one-year appropriation for FY 2025-2026; ongoing funding would require separate budget action.

Accountability would rely on voucher-based disbursements and standard treasury controls.

Overall, SR 871 seeks to ensure continued operational support for Rhode Island’s 2-1-1 system through a one-year, $500,000 appropriation to the United Way of Rhode Island.

Bill