Honoring Leanne Barrett for Her Extraordinary Service to Rhode Island's Children and Families and Wishing Her Continued Success in Her New Role at the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health

WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives hereby recognize and honor Leanne Barrett for her more than two decades of exceptional service, leadership, and advocacy on behalf of Rhode Island’s youngest children and their families; and

WHEREAS, For twenty-one years at Rhode Island KIDS COUNT, Ms. Barrett has served with distinction as Director of Early Childhood Policy and Strategy, building an enduring legacy of thoughtful policy development, collaboration, and tireless advocacy; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Barrett has been a driving force behind the RIght from the Start Campaign, coordinating a coalition of organizations dedicated to advancing state policies and budgets that support families with infants and young children; and

WHEREAS, Her longstanding commitment to public service is further exemplified by her membership on the General Assembly’s Permanent Legislative Commission on Child Care from 2000 through 2026, where her insight and expertise have helped shape meaningful legislative progress; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Barrett coordinated the Rhode Island Early Learning Council for fourteen years, working successfully across multiple gubernatorial administrations to strengthen and align early childhood systems statewide; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Ms. Barrett has played a central role in drafting and advancing landmark early childhood legislation and policy improvements, including expanding access to and funding for the Child Care Assistance Program, establishing the Child Care for Child Care Educators program, and supporting the creation and success of the BrightStars quality rating system; and

WHEREAS, She has been instrumental in the establishment of the Rhode Island Prekindergarten Education Act, helping to create a nationally recognized prekindergarten program that meets the highest standards for quality and child development; and

WHEREAS, Ms. Barrett’s advocacy has helped secure vital funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs, strengthen the Early Intervention system, and protect and enhance Rhode Island’s Temporary Caregivers Insurance program and paid sick and safe leave law, ensuring families can care for their children during critical times; and

WHEREAS, Her leadership also contributed to the establishment of the Rhode Island Family Home Visiting Act and to advancing policies that recognize and address infant and early childhood mental health, including the creation of a statewide task force and strategic plan; and

WHEREAS, Through her dedication, collaboration, and steady leadership, Ms. Barrett has improved systems of care and opportunity for countless Rhode Island families, leaving a lasting and meaningful impact on the State; and

WHEREAS, It is both fitting and proper that this House of Representatives recognizes Ms. Barrett’s next professional chapter as she assumes the role of Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health, where her expertise and passion will continue to benefit children and families; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives extends our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Leanne Barrett on her new role as Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association for Infant Mental Health, and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavors; and be it further.

RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby honors Leanne Barrett for her remarkable accomplishments and contributions to early childhood policy and advocacy, and expresses our deepest gratitude for her years of dedicated service; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Leanne Barrett.