simple majority measure passes

At long last, two thirds of the Senate agree: It's now up to the electorate.

Washington voters will get the final say on a state constitutional amendment to allow simple majority approval of local property tax levies for public schools.

The state Senate passed the measure on a 33-16 vote today, just squeaking past the two-thirds vote needed.

"This is a long time in coming," said Sen. Tracey Eide, D-Federal Way. "I feel just as passionate today as I did in '93 about this piece of legislation. I'm a mom and I care about every single child in the state of Washington."

The House already passed the measure, so it now heads to voters who must approve it by a simple majority.

It currently takes a 60 percent supermajority to pass a school levy. To lower that to 50 percent requires a constitutional amendment.

Smaller, rural, struggling districts are primed to benefit most; if all goes well, 40% of voters won't get to decide their fate. We'll hold off celebrating, though, until the people have their say.