United Way of Rhode Island Statement on the House Budget Cuts
United is the Way— and that means standing up for every Rhode Islander.
At United Way of Rhode Island, we believe budgets are moral documents — they reveal what we truly value. The budget passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 22 fails that test.
This federal budget proposal would devastate communities across our state. It includes sweeping cuts to programs that tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders rely on — putting healthcare, food assistance, housing, education, and veterans’ services at risk.
Slashing Medicaid funding and adding harsh work requirements would jeopardize care for more than 366,000 Rhode Islanders — including older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans who’ve earned better. Cuts to SNAP would force families to choose between food and rent. And new restrictions on services for homeless students and immigrant families betray our most basic commitments to dignity and fairness.
Every day, through 211, we hear the real stories behind the headlines — Rhode Islanders struggling to afford food, find housing, or access healthcare — and we’re here, answering the call, connecting them to the help they need.
By gutting funding for clean energy, stripping environmental protections, and attacking safety net services, this bill tears at the very foundation of strong communities.
Rhode Island should never be punished for choosing compassion — for expanding healthcare access, investing in sustainability, and protecting our neighbors. This isn’t just bad policy. It’s a betrayal of what we stand for.
Rhode Island deserves a budget that builds people up — not one that tears them down in the name of tax cuts.
It is critical that we advocate for the needs of our residents and take action that shows
United Is The Way. Because fairness and dignity, is critical to create a Rhode Island where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
📞 Call your U.S. Senators today and tell them you stand with them in standing up for the people of Rhode Island.
Senator Jack Reed: (401) 943-3100 https://www.reed.senate.gov/contact
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse: (401) 453- 5294 https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/contact/
Contact Jack | U.S. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island
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United Way of RI, The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI, and AARP Rhode Island have expanded the Caregiver Support Program, making it easier for Rhode Islanders who care for adult loved ones to find trusted guidance and local resources with a single call to 211. Thanks to support from United Way Worldwide, Rhode Island is the 30th state to join this growing effort that blends AARP’s caregiving expertise with the local strength of 211 and the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC).
United Way Recognizes the Tireless Work of Rhode Island’s Nonprofits, Honors Local Champions at 99th Annual Celebration
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Impact Groups Nonprofit Panel- Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis: Advocacy, Investment, and Disrupting Barriers
Emerging Leaders and Women United with United Way Rhode Island invite you to a powerful evening focused on how we can work together to address Rhode Island’s youth mental health crisis.
This in-person panel will bring together youth advocates, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to explore how advocacy, investment, and collaboration can strengthen family stability, empower youth, and disrupt barriers to care. Together, we’ll highlight innovative community solutions and inspire collective action through philanthropy, volunteerism, and policy engagement—all to build a healthier, more equitable future for Rhode Island’s next generation.
https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136383234
Join the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging, and United Way of Rhode Island at the 7th Annual Family Caregiver Alliance Conference
This year's theme is: "Together in Care: Stories, Strength, and Support"
This two-day event will be held on Friday, November 14 from 9:00 am to 12:30pm and Saturday, November from 9:00 am to 2:00pm in the RISD Washington Place Auditorium located at 20 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903 - Free parking will be available for registered participants.
Whether you care for a loved one, support a friend, work in health or social services, or advocate for caregivers, this conference offers valuable resources and connection.
The event is free and open to all, but space is limited. Please register for the days you wish to attend.
Who Is a Family Caregiver?
Family caregivers are everywhere. The FCARI supports youth, grandparents, friends, or neighbors who step up to help someone they care about.
That includes those who:
-Support a loved one with a physical, intellectual, or developmental disability (ID/DD)
-Provide care for someone living with dementia, cancer, or another serious illness
-Help an older adult with daily tasks
-Care for a child or youth with complex needs
Links for registration:
Day One https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373734
Day Two: https://uwriweb.org/comm/SinglePageRegEvent.jsp?EventKeyHex=3136373832