R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56.1-9
The state shall bear the expense for educational incentive payments. The general assembly shall annually appropriate the sums it may deem necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the state controller is directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for payment of that sum or so much as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of duly authorized vouchers. It is further provided that the sum of sixteen thousand dollars ($16,000) is appropriated to the department of corrections to carry out the purposes of this chapter as to obligations incurred from July 1, 1974 to December 30, 1974 out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated to be expended during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1975, and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of those sums, or so much as may be required from time to time, upon receipt by him or her of properly authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-56.1-9