Months after the governor called for cutting property taxes, in part by trimming bureaucracy and boosting rebates, lawmakers delivered increased tax breaks for homeowners.

They tied the rebates to caps on government spending and used a separate tax increase to help pay for it. Democrats declared victory for the people. Republicans howled that it was all an election-geared gimmick.

That was in 2004, and the governor was James E. McGreevey.

Two and a half years later, increased relief and 4 percent caps on property tax increases are the most tangible products Gov. Jon S. Corzine has to show so far after his call for “historic reforms” more than six months ago. Last year’s sales tax hike will pay for much of the latest rebate plan.

Courierpostonline