April 1 (Bloomberg) -- A cap on raises for New Jersey police and firefighters that mediators award when contract talks break down is set to end today, after lawmakers in the state Assembly didn’t concur with Governor Chris Christie’s changes to an extension bill.

Christie, a Republican, vetoed a Democratic proposal on March 27 that would have increased the salary-award limit to 3 percent from 2 percent when a government realizes savings on health care or pensions. That measure, introduced March 24, would have also extended the cap through 2017. Under a so-called conditional veto, Christie sent it back to legislators seeking a permanent cap at the lower rate.

“Without question, the reforms to New Jersey’s arbitration system enacted in 2010 have been effective in controlling spending and helping municipalities limit property tax increases,” Christie said in his veto message.