2026 -- H 8209

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LC005676

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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 $250,000 TO THE REFUGEE DREAM CENTER (RDC)

     Introduced By: Representatives Morales, Sanchez, Giraldo, Cruz, Potter, and Tanzi

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The Refugee Dream Center (RDC), located in the City of Providence, is a

nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded by Dr. Omar Bah in 2015, with a primary focus on resettlement and

assistance with the challenges faced by refugees when they come to the United States; and

     WHEREAS, The RDC “offers assistance in finding employment, education, and housing,

while also providing essential skills and knowledge such as navigating the U.S. healthcare

system, improving English language proficiency, and guiding individuals on the path to

citizenship”; and

     WHEREAS, Under newly signed executive orders, the State Department’s refugee

program is now suspended and the Refugee Dream Center (RDC) has lost federal funding and

staff; now, therefore be it

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

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the sum of two hundred fifty thousand

dollars ($250,000) to the Refugee Dream Center (RDC); and the state controller is hereby

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

sum, or so much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly

authenticated vouchers.

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LC005676

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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 $250,000 TO THE REFUGEE DREAM CENTER (RDC)

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 to the Refugee

Dream Center (RDC).

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LC005676

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