The general assembly shall annually appropriate any sum that it may deem necessary to carry out the purposes of §§ 31-5-1 - 31-5-19, and the state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of the sum, or so much of it as may be required from time to time, upon the receipt by him or her of proper authenticated vouchers.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-5-20