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HR 8201

JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION TO HIGHER GROUND INTERNATIONAL TO SUPPORT THEIR CRITICAL WORK SUPPORTING IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEE POPULATIONS

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Slater

Rhode Island would provide a one-time $250,000 appropriation to Higher Ground International to support services for immigrants and refugees, focusing on Liberian and West African c

05/12/2026 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · HR 8201

Overview

  • Bill: HR 8201
  • Session: 2026
  • Jurisdiction: Rhode Island
  • Title: Joint Resolution Making an Appropriation to Higher Ground International to Support Their Critical Work Supporting Immigrants and Refugee Populations
  • Introduced by: Representative Scott Slater
  • Referred to: House Finance
  • Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution authorizes a state-level appropriation to a Rhode Island nonprofit, Higher Ground International (HGI).
  • Objective: Support HGI’s work with immigrants and refugee populations, with a focus on Liberian and West African communities and other marginalized groups within Rhode Island.
  • Emphasizes assistance aimed at helping these communities thrive through a broad set of services.

Key Provisions and Funding Details

  • Amount: $250,000 (two hundred fifty thousand dollars) for fiscal year 2026-2027.
  • Source: Funds to be drawn from monies in the state treasury that are not otherwise appropriated.
  • Authorized recipient: Higher Ground International, a Rhode Island domestic nonprofit corporation.
  • Authorized uses (non-exhaustive list):
    • Providing basic needs supplies
    • Literacy and language instruction
    • Clinical therapy
    • Job skills training
    • Immigration assistance
    • Transportation
    • The Sweetie Care African Elders Enrichment Program
    • Case management services
  • Geographic focus: Primarily targeted to communities within the West End neighborhoods of Providence, RI, along with broader immigrant and refugee populations statewide.
  • Administrative process: The state controller is authorized and directed to issue payments upon receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, drawing on the general treasurer as needed.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiary: Higher Ground International (the recipient of the appropriation).
  • Target Communities: Immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island, with specific emphasis on Liberian and West African immigrants and other marginalized communities.
  • Local Impact: Services intended to bolster basic needs, education, health, employment, legal/immigration support, transportation, and culturally specific programs (e.g., African Elders program) to improve access and outcomes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Action: Introduced February 27, 2026; referred to House Finance.
  • Scheduling: A hearing and/or consideration was scheduled for May 12, 2026 (as noted in action history).
  • Implementation: If enacted, funds would be disbursed in fiscal year 2026-2027; the payment process relies on vouchers and standard state financial procedures (controller to treasurer).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Programmatic Impact: Provides targeted funding to an organization delivering comprehensive services to immigrant and refugee communities, potentially improving access to education, health services, employment, and legal/immigration assistance.
  • Geographic Focus: Concentration in Providence’s West End could yield localized benefits; broader statewide impact is possible through the organization’s programs.
  • Accountability: Requires authenticated vouchers and adherence to state financial controls, ensuring proper use of the appropriated funds.

Summary

HR 8201 proposes a one-time appropriation of $250,000 for FY2026-2027 to Higher Ground International to support their work with immigrants and refugees in Rhode Island, especially Liberian and West African communities. The funds would cover a range of services—from basic needs and education to therapy and immigration assistance—delivered in part to residents of Providence’s West End, with administrative mechanisms through the state Controller and Treasurer. The bill has been routed to the House Finance Committee for consideration and potential approval.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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