2024 -- H 8033

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LC005616

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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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 WOMEN’S FUND OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Diaz, Shallcross Smith, Vella-Wilkinson,
Spears, Ajello, Fogarty, Caldwell, Cortvriend, and Cotter

     Date Introduced: March 06, 2024

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, Women comprise half of the population and the workforce in Rhode Island.

Gender gaps exist in wage, wealth, health, and civic participation compared to men in our State,

and the deepening cost-of-living crisis also impacts women more severely than men, as women

continue to earn and accumulate wealth at lower levels, particularly for women of color; and

     WHEREAS, Increased investment in women is proven to improve family outcomes,

which in turn reduces poverty significantly, helps strengthen community, and promotes economic

growth. Yet, less than 1.9 percent of philanthropy is directed specifically towards women and

girls, and less than 1 percent towards women and girls of color; and

     WHEREAS, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island seeks to invest in women and girls through

research, advocacy, grant-making, and strategic partnerships designed to achieve gender equity

through systemic change. Women’s Fund of Rhode Island harnesses the power of philanthropy to

create transformative social change for women and girls and our community; and

     WHEREAS, The organization achieves this by producing local research on the status of

women and girls; training women in leadership and self-advocacy skills; and working with

community leaders to ensure women are at the tables where decisions are made and resources are

allocated; and

     WHEREAS, Women’s Fund of Rhode Island’s initiatives have helped women to achieve

higher salaries, find good paying jobs, and create more gender equitable workplaces, but alone,

the Women’s Fund of Rhode Island cannot create transformative social change for women and

girls in our community; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2024-2025, the sum of one hundred fifty thousand

dollars ($150,000) to Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to implement programs and initiatives that

seek to close the gender wage, wealth, health and leadership gaps, including, but not limited to,

original research; civic engagement programming for youth; workshops on self-advocacy,

leadership skills, and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) principles; and the state controller is

hereby authorized and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for payment of said

sum, or so much thereof as may 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 $150,000 TO WOMEN’S FUND OF RHODE ISLAND

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $150,000 to the

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island to implement programs and initiatives that seek to close the

gender wage, wealth, health and leadership gaps.

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