As temperatures rise in Kansas, Evergy introduces a series of energy efficiency programs designed to help residents reduce both their energy consumption and utility bills. The company highlights that summer months often see the highest electricity usage due to air conditioning demands. To address this, Evergy encourages customers to adopt small lifestyle changes while also offering new opportunities to benefit from energy-saving upgrades through incentives and rebates.
The initiative includes practical tips such as adjusting thermostats with smart devices, which can significantly cut energy use by even a minor temperature change. Qualified Kansas customers may receive a free or heavily discounted smart thermostat through Evergy’s Thermostat Program, enabling remote control via the internet and potential annual savings. Additional suggestions include sealing windows and doors, using ceiling fans efficiently, cooking with low-energy appliances, and regularly replacing HVAC filters to maintain optimal performance.
For those interested in more substantial energy-saving investments, Evergy offers expanded programs that provide financial incentives for installing energy-efficient systems like HVAC units. Homeowners can also access a quick online Home Energy Analysis tool to better understand their usage patterns and receive tailored advice on reducing consumption. These initiatives not only support individual savings but also contribute to broader environmental goals by promoting responsible energy use.
By empowering consumers with tools and knowledge, Evergy fosters a culture of sustainability and cost-consciousness. Making informed choices about energy use benefits households and communities alike, paving the way toward a more efficient and environmentally friendly future. These efforts reflect a growing trend where individuals can make a difference through mindful actions that align with larger ecological and economic goals.
Budget discussions are underway across North Carolina school districts, prompting questions from residents about the role of the state's lottery in funding education. While the NC Education Lottery contributed over $1 billion to education programs in fiscal year 2024, many wonder why this amount doesn’t fully meet the needs of schools statewide. The funds are distributed across all counties, but with rising costs and increasing demands, the allocation remains a fraction of what public education requires.
For instance, Guilford County received approximately $31 million from lottery proceeds—helpful, yet minimal compared to its annual budget of more than $1 billion. Experts note that while lottery revenue has grown over time, the percentage allocated to schools has decreased due to legislative changes. Initially set at 35%, the portion going to education has been reduced to just over 20%, with lawmakers determining both the percentage and how it is spent each year.
The lottery supports a range of educational initiatives, including school construction, transportation, pre-kindergarten programs, scholarships, and support staff salaries. However, critics argue that the original promise of the lottery—solving education funding issues—has not been fulfilled. As debates continue, transparency tools like the interactive county map on the lottery website allow citizens to see how funds are distributed, encouraging further discussion on how best to support public schools through such revenue streams.
Education funding remains a complex challenge, requiring ongoing dialogue and innovative solutions. While lottery contributions provide valuable support, they are not a substitute for comprehensive investment in public schooling. Ensuring equitable and sufficient resources for every student is a shared responsibility—one that calls for thoughtful policy decisions and community engagement to build a stronger future for all learners.
The state of New Jersey is introducing the Stay NJ property tax benefit, offering significant financial relief to senior citizens and individuals receiving Social Security Disability payments. This new initiative reduces property tax bills by up to 50%, with a maximum benefit of $6,500. Alongside this, a combined application process now includes ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ programs, simplifying access for eligible homeowners. However, the rollout depends on the state budget being approved by July 1. Payments are expected to begin in July, with Stay NJ benefits arriving in early 2026. An online calculator has been developed to help estimate individual benefits, while eligibility criteria vary across programs, creating potential confusion among applicants.
Understanding the New Property Tax Benefit Programs
New Jersey’s latest property tax relief efforts bring together three distinct programs—ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ—under one streamlined application process. These programs differ significantly in terms of eligibility requirements, payout schedules, and benefit amounts. While ANCHOR and Senior Freeze have long been available to qualifying homeowners, the addition of Stay NJ introduces a new layer of support for those who may not fully qualify under previous programs but still face high property tax burdens. The system aims to provide broader coverage, particularly for seniors and disabled individuals, though understanding how each benefit applies can be complex.
The ANCHOR program offers direct payments of up to $1,750 for seniors earning $150,000 or less annually, with reduced benefits for those earning between $150,001 and $250,000. Senior Freeze refunds increase based on how long an individual has participated and how much their taxes have risen over time, requiring income thresholds below $168,268 in 2024. Meanwhile, Stay NJ acts as a supplemental benefit, stepping in when the combined amount from ANCHOR and Senior Freeze falls short of 50% of a homeowner’s total tax bill, up to $6,500. Those earning $500,000 or more are excluded entirely from Stay NJ, though discussions in Trenton suggest possible adjustments to income caps within the upcoming state budget.
Application Process, Payment Timelines, and Estimating Benefits
Homeowners in New Jersey now have access to a unified application system for all major property tax relief programs, making it easier to apply for multiple benefits at once. Applications are available online, with a submission deadline of October 31. However, different parts of the relief package will arrive at different times—with most payments beginning in July and the Stay NJ portion not expected until early 2026. To help residents better understand what they might receive, a digital benefit calculator has been developed. This tool allows users to input personal financial data and receive estimated figures for ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ without storing any information entered.
The payment rollout timeline reflects administrative complexities tied to the state budget approval process, which must occur by July 1. Once funded, the Treasury Department plans to distribute benefits on a rolling basis starting in July, though the Stay NJ component will take longer due to additional processing and planning requirements. By late 2025, recipients will receive detailed letters explaining how their benefits were calculated. The calculator, built by students from Stevens Institute of Technology, ensures privacy and gives applicants greater clarity about potential savings. With these tools and timelines in place, eligible homeowners can begin preparing their applications and managing expectations regarding when and how much financial assistance they will receive.