The Rhode Island budget deficit will bankrupt the state in just a few years. I wonder if most of the state’s citizens are aware of just what this means:

• Governmental collapse.

• Extreme cuts in essential services, such as police and fire departments.

• Rapid deterioration of the school system.

• Cessation of public construction projects, as well as lack of maintenance for public buildings, roads and bridges.

• Major rise in the crime rate.

• Mass exodus of the best and brightest people and businesses and resulting tax-base erosion, worsening downward spiral.

Only a change in our welfare-state mentality can fix this!

STEPHEN B. MILLER

Tiverton