R.I. Gen. Laws § 40-5.2-36

The general assembly shall annually appropriate sums as it may deem necessary for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of this chapter; and the state controller is hereby authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of these sums, or so much thereof as may from time to time be required, upon receipt by him or her of the vouchers approved by the director of the state department of human services.