More hijinks in Olympia

State Sen. Ken Jacobsen wins this year's legislative "Cutting Off His Nose to Spite His Face" Award.

The Seattle Democrat, usually a strong voice for public education, took a truly dumb vote last week. Jacobsen refused to support a constitutional amendment to lower the threshold for passing school levies because the Legislature was cool to one of his bills to get more money to Seattle schools. His goal might be worthy; but his methodology is all wet.

Many lawmakers play this game — Pass my bill or I will hold your favorite legislation hostage.

What a time to play! Democrats and some Republicans have been trying for many years to change the law requiring a 60 percent supermajority for school levies; levies for other public spending pass by a simple majority.

The supermajority, a relic of the 1930s and 1940s, hurts too many school districts that rely on levy money to educate children.

The large number of Democrats in both chambers and the Democratic governor make this the year to finally enact this important change in school funding.

Apparently, there is enough blame for the failure to go around. One lawmaker, Sen. Paull Shin, D-Edmonds, was said to be out of the country. Who is counting votes here?

Getting rid of the supermajority is one of the top jobs of the Legislature this year. When this bill comes around again — and it is expected to — Jacobsen ought to put aside petty politics and vote to make a lasting difference in education.