More than 300 people were at the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday with one message: fund Health and Human Services.

People came as parents. As Direct Support Professionals. As self-advocates. As family members. As people who know firsthand what’s at stake when lawmakers make funding decisions.

And they were heard. Take a look:

A Community That Shows Up

Advocacy days like this are never guaranteed. People have jobs, kids, caregiving responsibilities and long commutes. Showing up at the State House takes real commitment and this community showed up in force.

Right now, Rhode Island lawmakers are making decisions about funding for services that impact people with disabilities, children and families across the state. House Bill 8183 would make a meaningful difference, but only if it passes.

That’s why today mattered.

Hundreds of advocates were joined by Senator DiPalma and Representative Shanley.

What We’re Fighting For

HB 8183 isn’t just a budget line. It represents tens of thousands of lives who rely on services to live full lives.

When we don’t invest, it shifts costs to families, to emergency systems and to communities. Full funding is an investment.

What Lawmakers Saw Today

They saw a packed State House. They saw constituents from every corner of Rhode Island. They saw people who don’t usually show up in lawmaking spaces standing together and asking to be counted.

What Comes Next

The work doesn’t stop at the State House door.

Here’s how you can keep the momentum going:

• 📲 Share the photos on social media — [Share on Facebook]
• 📋 Learn more about HB 8183 — [Read the Bill]
• ✉️ Contact your lawmaker — [Ask Them to Pass HB 8183]

Thank You

To everyone who showed up today: thank you. You made your voice heard in a room where it counts.

To those who couldn’t make it: there’s still time. The calls, the emails, the shares they add up. Lawmakers are paying attention.