2026 -- H 8444

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LC006347

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

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

     Introduced By: Representatives Diaz, Shekarchi, Kazarian, Chippendale, Shallcross
Smith, Slater, Kislak, Alzate, Messier, and Edwards

     Date Introduced: April 14, 2026

     Referred To: House read and passed

     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.

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LC006347

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