2023 -- H 6389

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LC002896

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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 $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FOR THE

RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVICES PROGRAM (RIVESP)

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Hull, O'Brien, and Noret

     Date Introduced: May 10, 2023

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, The Sherlock Task Force was charged with establishing recommendations

that would provide ongoing funding for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services Program

(RIVESP) which was created by legislation in 2006; and

     WHEREAS, Over the course of meetings held in 2021 and 2022, the Task Force heard

testimony, and reviewed presentation material, pertaining to critical issues related to vision

services and the Sherlock Center including funding, staffing, governance and structure, the need

for operational improvements, and the use of alternative programs by certain municipalities; and

     WHEREAS, The Task Force’s recommendations for governance and structure initiatives

that would improve RIVESP operations include:

     • Appointing a full-time director of the program who will:

o Have full decision-making authority;

o Develop and manage the program’s budget; and

o Develop staffing policies to ensure the highest quality education.

     • Establish a Board of Directors to:

o Provide community oversight;

o Identify the educational needs of students; and

o Develop educational policies to meet the needs of the students; and

     WHEREAS, A State budget line item appropriation is essential to the continued

operation and success of RIVESP; 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 three million dollars

($3,000,000) to Rhode Island College for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services

Program (RIVESP) which shall include the IDEA Part B State Discretionary Funds; and the state

controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his 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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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 $3,000,000 TO RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE FOR THE

RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVICES PROGRAM (RIVESP)

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     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $3,000,000 to Rhode

Island College for the Rhode Island Vision Education and Services Program.

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LC002896

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