R.I. Gen. Laws § 28-12-23

The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it deems necessary to provide for an appropriate staff for office and other necessary expenses for the administration and enforcement of this chapter; and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders on the general treasurer for the payment of that sum, or so much of it as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers, approved by the chief of the division of labor standards and the director of labor and training.