The Democrat-controlled state Senate this morning voted to approve a compromise with Republican Gov. Chris Christie that would cut the current 4 percent property tax cap in half and eliminate many of the loopholes that allow municipalities to exceed it. The vote was 36 to 3, with three senators – Ronald Rice (D-Essex), Shirley Turner (D-Mercer) and Bob Smith (D-Middlesex) — voting against it. One senator, Nia Gill (D-Essex) was absent.

“New Jersey residents will finally have predictability and control when it comes to their property tax bill,” said Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Union).

Democrats who voted against the cap said the Senate should first tackle controlling expenses that make it hard for towns to stay within it. Gov. Chris Christie has proposed a 33-bill “toolkit” aims to do that through allowing towns to opt out of the civil service system and capping sick leave payouts, among other reforms. Democratic leaders say they plan to vote on it by the fall, though not necessarily in its current form. Full story in Star Ledger.