R.I. Gen. Laws § 30-25-12

The general assembly shall, from time to time, appropriate such sums as it may deem necessary to be expended by the director of human services in carrying out the purposes of §§ 30-25-10 and 30-25-11, and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed, upon the receipt of the proper vouchers approved by the director, to draw orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of such sums as may be required, within the amount appropriated therefor.