To the editor:

Last week's Phoenix contained a letter to the editor criticizing the Rhode Island Legislature for what he perceived were poor budget decisions, and while that letter writer is entitled to their opinion, I have a completely different view of our statewide elected leaders.

Thanks to our state senators and representatives, in particular our local delegation, my standard of living has increased, my quality of life has improved, and while taxes have not been cut, I consider tax increases as a part of life, and as the price of progress.

In addition to what I feel are prudent budget decisions, our leaders have also championed legislation on issues near and dear to my heart, such as insuring a woman's right to safe, legal, and readily accessible abortion, increased protections and equal treatment for members of the LGBTQ community, and passing comprehensive gun control laws.

In short, I could not be happier with our current legislators and statewide general officers here in Rhode Island, and I'll surely be voting to keep them in office during the next election cycle.

Mike Proto
245 Chestnut St.