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Assemblyman highlights Anchor, Stay NJ and local resources to reduce Paterson property-tax and utility burdens
Summary
Assemblyman Abdel Aziz outlined state and local programs — Anchor, the Stay NJ senior reimbursement, an upcoming resource fair, the Financial Empowerment Center and Energy Outreach NJ — that officials say can reduce property-tax and household costs for Paterson residents.
Assemblyman Abdel Aziz, introduced by the mayor during a virtual town hall, described several state and local programs he and the legislative delegation support that officials say will provide direct relief to Paterson homeowners, renters and seniors.
"Many of our residents, this program will send you a direct deposit or check straight to your bank accounts of up to $1,500," Assemblyman Abdel Aziz said of the Anchor program for homeowners, adding that "if you are a renter this program sends you $450." He urged homeowners and renters to complete the PAS-one form booklet that the city mailed to residents to apply.
Nut graf: Officials said the suite of programs combines one-time and ongoing relief streams: Anchor payments tied to property tax relief, a new senior reimbursement (Stay NJ) that officials said will begin January 2026, and locally run services including a Financial Empowerment Center and Energy Outreach New Jersey assessments.
Assemblyman Abdel Aziz described Stay NJ as a program for residents 65 and older that "will reimburse our seniors up to 50% of their property taxes" and said the benefit could be up to $6,500. He urged seniors to note that the same form will be used to apply for Anchor and Stay NJ benefits.
Officials invited residents to a state resource fair at the Great Falls Youth Center on May 14. Assemblyman Abdel Aziz said the fair will provide assistance with utility bills, rent, mortgage and property-tax forms and that his office will offer help filling forms and answering questions. He provided an office phone number for follow-up (201-381-1110) and encouraged residents to leave a voicemail if they do not immediately reach staff.
The mayor and Assemblyman Abdel Aziz also highlighted the city-run Financial Empowerment Center, which officials said has helped residents save about $1,000,000 and reduce debt by $2,800,000 through free, confidential counseling. The mayor promoted Energy Outreach New Jersey’s free home energy assessments — measures such as smart thermostats and LED bulbs — as another way to reduce household costs.
Ending: Officials stressed deadlines tied to the state budget process: the mayor and Assemblyman Abdel Aziz said the governor’s proposed budget and state budget calendar make it important for residents to apply as forms and program funding are finalized in the coming weeks.
