TRENTON, NJ—The New Jersey Senate approved abill that combines two Meadowlands agencies and adds a 3% tax onhotels within the Meadowlands district.

The Senate passed the bill, introduced by AssemblySpeaker Vincent Prieto of Secaucus on Monday by a 21-12vote and the measure now goes to the desk of Gov. ChrisChristie for approval. Gov. Christie has vowed not tosupport a tax increase, however some legislators say the Republicangovernor supports the legislation. Republicans in the Senateopposed the measure, according to The Record.

The bill, called the Hackensack Meadowlands AgencyConsolidation Act, passed the Assembly last Thursday by avote of 42-25. The bill if enacted would transfer “all powers,assets and responsibilities” of the Meadowlands Commission to theNew Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. The new agency would becalled the Meadowlands Regional Commission. See story in The Record.