Massachusetts
Massachusetts State Police, Fall River Police announce Blue Envelope Program to foster safe environment for neuro-diverse, autistic drivers
The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the implementation of the Blue Envelope Program, an initiative to foster a safer and more understanding environment during traffic stops for drivers with autism. The voluntary program provides individuals on the autism spectrum with specially designed blue envelopes to carry their driver’s licenses, which informs police officers about their diagnosis and other essential communication guidelines to ensure more effective and sensitive communication during the interaction.
The Blue Envelope Program is the result of a partnership between the Massachusetts State Police, the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts, The Arc of Massachusetts, and individuals with autism and their families.
The Fall River Police Department also announced this week that they will be participating in the program.
The program includes a state-issued blue envelope that holds a driver’s essential documents—license, registration, and a contact card. In addition, information printed on the envelope’s exterior identifies the operator as a person with autism spectrum disorder, provides instructions for a police officer on how to enhance communication with the driver, and how to reduce anxiety and stress the driver may be experiencing as a result of being stopped or involved in an incident. The envelope also lists guidelines for the driver, including what to expect during a traffic stop and how to present the Blue Envelope to the officer.
“In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, the Blue Envelope Program reflects our deep commitment to supporting programs that strengthen inclusivity and support law enforcement’s ability to more effectively meet the needs of every community member,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re grateful for the collaboration of our partners who brought this important public safety program to fruition.”
“Our administration is dedicated to implementing effective programs that foster inclusivity, support the unique needs of our residents, and promote public safety,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “The Blue Envelope Program will help to ensure more successful communication between police officers and drivers living on the autism spectrum.”
“This new program provides an essential tool to enhance communication between police officers and drivers with autism while helping officers to recognize possible behaviors and more effectively engage individuals during traffic stops, motor vehicle accidents, or mechanical breakdowns,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.
“The most important qualities a police officer must possess are empathy and understanding. Those who wear the badge never stand so tall as when they conduct themselves in a manner that eases fear, anxiety, and confusion of a person in a difficult situation,” said Colonel John J. Mawn Jr., Interim Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “It is incumbent upon us, as law enforcement officers and compassionate community caretakers, to recognize and mitigate the stressful effects that interaction with a police officer can have on a person with autism. The Blue Envelope Program is an important step toward that goal.”
The Blue Envelope Program addresses several key objectives:
- -Providing officers with immediate, accessible information about autism promotes empathy and patience, leading to more positive interactions;
- -The envelopes serve as a visual cue that helps officers adjust their communication style, thus reducing anxiety for the driver;
- -The printed guidelines make it easier for officers to communicate effectively with individuals with autism, even in high-stress situations like traffic stops; and
- -For persons with autism and their families, it encourages preparedness—by keeping their important documents in the envelope and understanding how to present them during a stop, drivers can feel more confident and secure.
“The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association is proud to partner with the Massachusetts State Police in this worthwhile endeavor,” said Agawam Police Chief Eric P. Gillis, President of the organization. “We feel the Blue Envelope Program will enhance the relationship between individuals on the autism spectrum and public safety officers by creating a better way to communicate during traffic encounters.”
More information about the Blue Envelope Program, including how to request an envelope online and how to prepare, carry, and display them, is available here.
Blue envelopes are available at all Massachusetts State Police Barracks. Blue envelopes will soon be available at local police departments (please call your local police department to check availability beforehand).
“These Blue Envelopes affirm our commitment to a Commonwealth where neuro-diverse individuals can live their lives safely, independently, and with dignity,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton), the recipient of AFAM’s 2024 Distinguished Legislator of the Year award. “I am grateful to the State Police for making the envelopes available, and to the people on the autism spectrum and their families and allies for advocating for this idea and working to ensure equal opportunity for people of all abilities.”
“This Autism Acceptance month, I am thrilled to stand with the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association (MCOPA), and advocacy organizations such as the Advocates for Autism of MA (AFAM) and take part in celebrating the commencement of the State Police Blue Envelope Project,” said Representative Kay Khan (D-Newton). “This initiative could not have been fulfilled if it were not for the voices of countless self-advocates living with autism in the Commonwealth who came forward and shared their lived experiences, as well as members of law enforcement who acted to ensure that equitable accommodations be made to facilitate understanding and better communication between law enforcement and autistic drivers.”
Representatives of the Massachusetts State Police Traffic Programs Section, which is administering the Blue Envelope Program for the Department, and members of the Department’s Community Liaison Team, are attending today’s 19th annual Autism Advocacy Day at the State House, hosted by Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). AFAM applauded the initiative, noting that people who have autism don’t have any physical characteristics that alert others to their diagnosis.
“The Blue Envelope is a game changer for our family,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an AFAM Executive Committee member. “My 25-year-old son, Sam, has autism and is a very safe driver. However, like most people with autism, Sam doesn’t have any physical characteristics that would alert a Trooper that he has autism in case of a traffic stop or accident. The Blue Envelope would alert law enforcement of Sam’s autism diagnosis, thereby decreasing the chances of any tragic misunderstanding.”
April is National Autism Acceptance Month. The MSP will present information about the Blue Envelope Program at various community events throughout this month and beyond.
Massachusetts
‘That comes with a price tag’: How snow removal is busting town budgets – The Boston Globe
“The way we experience climate change is through extremes,” said Shel Winkley, a meteorologist at Climate Central. “All of that comes with a price tag.”
Across the region, officials are trying to figure out how to pay that price. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has already spent more than $185 million on snow and ice removal this winter — about $20 million beyond what was spent during the “Snowmageddon” winter of 2015. State officials are weighing whether to seek aid from the Trump administration.
Providence has had to cap spending for the rest of the fiscal year after record-setting snowfall. In Boston, where officials have trimmed the snow removal budget, the city was on track to spend nearly double what it had set aside for winter cleanup — even before the February blizzard hit. Cambridge has spent $6 million, more than 10 times the placeholder amount it budgeted for winter cleanup.
“This is an additional pressure point on an already pressurized budget situation,” said Adam Chapdelaine, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. “In some communities, it’s likely going to force some hard decisions.”
In Edgartown, officials want to tap into budget reserves to make up the cost, a step that requires voter approval. If voters don’t support that move, it could mean raising taxes, said James Hagerty, the town administrator.
Local officials said federal funding would help, but they’re not counting on it. Some worried that partisan disparities in which states have received disaster funding under the Trump administration would put Massachusetts at a disadvantage.
“We are hopeful that the state and federal government might step in to assist, but it’s just waiting at this point,” said Gregory Berman, Chatham’s director of natural resources.
The skyrocketing costs are yet another reminder that winters here don’t feel the same. New England is largely trending toward shorter and milder winters. Massachusetts has lost about 30 days of snow cover each year over the last few decades.
However, experts say the relationship between climate change and total annual snowfall is more complicated. Think of it as two competing forces. On one hand, global warming increases the amount of moisture in the atmosphere; when conditions are cold enough, this added moisture can fuel heavier snowstorms. On the other hand, rising temperatures mean that winter precipitation falls more frequently as rain than snow.
The data reflect this mixed picture. An analysis of historic snowfall totals by Climate Central, a nonprofit that conducts climate change research, found that annual snowfall has actually increased over the past 50 years in Boston and parts of coastal Massachusetts, while inland areas have seen declines.
Looking ahead, researchers project that the most intense storms may become even heavier, producing more snow than blizzards past. This shift may already be underway. In the past 40 years, Boston has recorded 10 snowstorms that produced at least 20 inches of snow. In the eight decades prior to that, there were just three.
These massive storms can trigger extra expenses, as municipalities have to pay for equipment rentals, contractors, and overtime for cleanup around the clock.
Julie Wormser, chief climate officer in Cambridge, said that total snowfall data surprised her.
“Based on how quickly the ocean is heating up off New England, my bet is that the next 50 years of data will reverse that snowfall trend,” she said.
Cities and towns in Western Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the North Shore were hit especially hard. This winter, they received more than two feet of snow above their average.
On Cape Cod, Sandwich officials overspent their snow budget by $250,000, driven largely by the February blizzard. Town Manager George “Bud” Dunham said a day of minor plowing and treating roads can cost about $10,000, but major storms push that figure past $50,000. The town is still cleaning up downed brush and tree limbs.
If not for the storm, Dunham said, the town might have invested in new snow equipment or set aside funds for retired employees’ health insurance costs.
Mattapoisett, a coastal community on Buzzards Bay, also blew through its budget, spending nearly triple what officials had set aside. Still, Michael Lorenco, the administrator, said the town should be able to absorb the hit within its $37 million budget without raising taxes.
“I’m not a scientist, but towns near the coast seem to be getting more snow than they normally would in the past,” Lorenco said.
That doesn’t change the city’s responsibilities.
“Climate change or not,” he added, “we have to clean up the roads.”
Ken Mahan of the Globe staff contributed reporting.
Kate Selig can be reached at kate.selig@globe.com. Follow her on X @kate_selig.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts bakery that made signature pizza trays for more than 100 years closes for good
A Framingham institution that has been in business for more than a century closed its doors for the final time on Sunday.
Framingham Baking Company, known for its signature pizza trays, has officially shut down permanently. Crowds have been lining up around the block in the shop’s final days, with Sunday serving as their last day in business.
“That’s a wrap! Special thanks to all of our loyal customers! It was a great run. We love you!” Framingham Baking Company posted on Facebook Sunday after selling its final slices of pizza.
Founded in 1917, the bakery on Waverly Street became known for the square pizza slices.
The third-generation owners say they couldn’t find anyone to take over the business.
“We’re closing today after 109 years in business,” owner Joan Thomas said. “My grandparents, my parents, and my siblings – three generations have run this bakery.”
Customers explained why they were willing to wait in long lines to get their hands on some treats one more time.
“So many years of eating this pizza, and the bread, and the cookies. You had to be there for the end,” one woman said.
“My grandfather was a delivery guy for a long time. My first job was riding around with him in the van delivering to all the local restaurants. It’s tough to see it close, but it’s had an amazing run. Here for my last delivery. Bring some pizza home to my family,” another man added.
One customer waiting in line said it wasn’t just pizza the Framingham Baking Company provided, it was memories.
“Brought it to the cousins’ every birthday party, every gathering. Any time there was family there was pizza,” he said.
Here are five ways how you can save some money when food shopping.
Here are five ways how you can save some money when food shopping.
Your household can earn more than $200,000 a year and still be considered part of the “middle class” in Massachusetts, according to a recent study by SmartAsset.
Massachusetts ranks as the top state with the highest income range for households to be considered middle class, based on SmartAsset’s analysis using 2024 income data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The Pew Research Center defines the middle class as households earning roughly two-thirds to twice the national median household income.
According to a 2022 Gallup survey, about half of U.S. adults consider themselves middle class, with 38% identifying as “middle class” and 14% as “upper-middle class.” Higher-income Americans and college graduates were most likely to identify with the “middle class” or “upper-middle class,” while lower-income Americans and those without a college education generally identified as “working class” or “lower class.”
Here’s how much money your household would need to bring in annually to be considered middle class in Massachusetts.
How much money would you need to make to be considered middle class in MA?
In Massachusetts, households would need to earn between $69,900 and $209,656 annually to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. The Bay State has the highest income range in the country for middle-class households. The state’s median household income is $104,828.
In Boston, the range is slightly lower. Households need to earn between $65,194 and $195,582 annually to qualify as middle class, giving the city the 19th-highest income range among the 100 largest U.S. cities. Boston’s median household income is $97,791.
How do other New England states compare?
Massachusetts has the highest income range for middle-class households in New England. Here’s what households would have to earn in neighboring states:
- Massachusetts (#1 nationally) – $69,885 to $209,656 annually; median household income of $104,828
- New Hampshire (#6 nationally) – $66,521 to $199,564 annually; median household income of $99,782
- Connecticut (#10 nationally) – $64,033 to $192,098 annually; median household income of $96,049
- Rhode Island (#17 nationally) – $55,669 to $167,008 annually; median household income of $83,504
- Vermont (#19 nationally) – $55,153 to $165,460 annually; median household income of $82,730
- Maine (#30 nationally) – $50,961 to $152,884 annually; median household income of $76,442
Which state has the lowest middle-class income range?
Mississippi ranks last for the income range needed to be considered middle class, according to SmartAsset. Households there would need to earn between $39,418 and $118,254 annually. The state’s median household income is $59,127.
A New Homelessness Strategy is Sweeping California – edhat
Colorado’s Biggest Priorities After Losing Bangot Dak
Food workers at CT service plazas secure landmark union contract
Man’s body discovered off Route 40 in New Castle, Delaware
Florida man ‘purposely walked’ onto tracks before being hit by train
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: Iran to Allow More Oil Ships Through Strait of Hormuz, Trump Says
Dem senator warns deportation could let Virginia woman’s illegal immigrant killer ‘escape accountability’
Newsletter: G7 ministers to hold talks on war’s economic fallout
ICE officers could remain at airports after TSA workers are paid
Scathing report claims nation’s oldest labor union ‘betrayed’ MAGA members through ‘shocking’ spending
-
Sports1 week agoIOC addresses execution of 19-year-old Iranian wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
-
Miami, FL4 days agoJannik Sinner’s Girlfriend Laila Hasanovic Stuns in Ab-Revealing Post Amid Miami Open
-
New Mexico1 week agoClovis shooting leaves one dead, four injured
-
Politics1 week agoSchumer gambit fails as DHS shutdown hits 36 days and airport lines grow
-
Tennessee7 days agoTennessee Police Investigating Alleged Assault Involving ‘Reacher’ Star Alan Ritchson
-
Minneapolis, MN4 days agoBoy who shielded classmate during school shooting receives Medal of Honor
-
Science1 week agoRecord Heat Meets a Major Snow Drought Across the West
-
Politics1 week agoTrump gives Iran 48-hour ultimatum to reopen Strait of Hormuz or face strikes on power plants