H 8209Funding & Budget

Making an Appropriation of $250,000 to the Refugee Dream Center (RDC)

This resolution appropriates $250,000 in state funds to the Refugee Dream Center to offset lost federal funding and support refugee services.

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Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee House Finance

Plain-English Summary

This joint resolution authorizes a state appropriation of $250,000 to the Refugee Dream Center (RDC) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The RDC is a Providence-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015 that focuses on assisting refugees with resettlement and integration into the United States. The organization provides various critical services, including help with finding employment, education, and housing, as well as navigating the complex U.S. healthcare system, improving English language proficiency, and guiding individuals on the path to citizenship.

The legislation is introduced in direct response to recent federal executive orders that suspended the State Department's refugee program. As a result of these federal actions, the Refugee Dream Center has experienced a significant loss of federal funding and staff. This state-level appropriation is intended to bridge that funding gap and allow the organization to continue its operations and essential services for the refugee community in Rhode Island.

If passed, the state controller would be authorized and directed to draw orders upon the general treasurer to pay the $250,000 sum, or portions of it as required from time to time. These funds would be drawn from unappropriated money in the state treasury upon the receipt of properly authenticated vouchers, ensuring the organization can maintain its community support.

For younger readers

This bill gives $250,000 of state money to the Refugee Dream Center, a charity in Providence that helps refugees find jobs, learn English, and get housing. The charity recently lost its funding from the federal government, so the state is stepping in to help them stay open.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Refugees in Rhode IslandRefugee Dream Center staff and volunteersRhode Island taxpayers

Impacted communities

Providence

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

Low. The General Assembly has the clear authority to appropriate state funds to nonprofit organizations for public welfare purposes.

Estimated cost

$250,000

Estimated revenue

Not specified

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Supports vulnerable refugee and immigrant populations in Rhode Island.
Provides a state-level safety net to counteract restrictive federal executive orders regarding immigration.
Funds essential social services like housing assistance, healthcare navigation, and education.
$250,000 may not be sufficient to fully replace the lost federal funding and staff.
It is a one-time appropriation rather than a permanent, sustainable funding stream.
Does not address broader systemic issues facing immigrants beyond the scope of this single organization.

For Conservatives

Supports an organization that helps individuals find employment and become self-sufficient, reducing long-term dependency on government.
Assists individuals in legally navigating the path to citizenship and learning the English language.
Utilizes a localized, community-based nonprofit to deliver services rather than creating a new state government bureaucracy.
Spends $250,000 of state taxpayer money to replace suspended federal funds.
Directs state funds to non-citizens during a time when domestic priorities may require funding.
Effectively undermines the intent of federal executive orders aimed at suspending refugee programs.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

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. EXPLANATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF JOINTRESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,0 TO THE REFUGEE DREAM CENTER (RDC) *** This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $250,000 to the Refugee Dream Center (RDC).