The state’s Legislature and its governor have no one to blame but themselves for the passage Question 2 — last fall’s referendum that places a 3 percent surtax on Maine’s wealthiest citizens.

Maine’s government never lived up to its obligation to fund 55 percent the cost of education, despite being compelled to do so under a 2003 referendum.

It was time for voters to force the state’s hand, and thus Question 2 was narrowly approved by just over 50 percent of voters in November.

Despite its passage months ago, however, debate over Question 2 continues.

That’s unfortunate.

Passage of Question 2 corrects the government’s failure to live up to its obligation. It also assures that public school children get quality education by placing the burden on those who can most afford it.

Its passage has incensed the notoriously prickly Gov. Paul LePage, who at his town hall forums laments that professionals — including his son, Paul LePage II — will swarm to New Hampshire and Florida, rather than pay more on their income tax.

Now that the Legislature seems disinclined to overturn the will of the voters, LePage is taking his case directly to the public, which we feel is appropriate. If Question 2 is overturned, it should be done at the ballot box, not by the Legislature.

But don’t count your chickens before they hatch — according to a Tweet by Rep. Drew Gattine, DWestbrook, “Gov ran hard against Question 2 last fall. Maine people rejected him then. There’s no reason to think they’ve changed their mind.”