2023 -- H 5478

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LC001409

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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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 THE WOMEN'S FUND OF RHODE

ISLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Alzate, Kazarian, Casimiro, Tanzi, Boylan, Cruz, Diaz,
McEntee, Caldwell, and Speakman

     Date Introduced: February 08, 2023

     Referred To: House Finance

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

yet significant gender gaps exist in wages, wealth, health, and civic participation compared to

men in our State: and

     WHEREAS, The deepening cost-of-living crisis 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 toward women and

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

     WHEREAS, The 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; and

     WHEREAS, The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island harnesses the power of philanthropy to

create transformative social change for women and girls and our community. The organization

achieves this change 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, The 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; and

     WHEREAS, The Women’s Fund of Rhode Island alone 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 2023-2024, the sum of one hundred fifty thousand

dollars ($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, including, but not limited

to, original research and 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 THE 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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