Juneau -- New taxes for Alaskans? Better plan on getting a two-thirds majority of the Legislature to agree. That's if Senator Jerry Ward, an Anchorage/Kenai Republican gets Senate Joint Resolution 10 through the Legislature.

SJR 10, sponsored by Sen. Ward, proposes amending the State Constitution to require a supermajority of the Legislature to vote for any new taxes, or increases in State taxes. A "supermajority vote" requires two-thirds of both the House and the Senate to approve a measure before it can become law.

"This legislation will slow down the tax-and-spend people in government by requiring a two-thirds vote to pass any taxes levied on the people of Alaska," said Sen. Ward.

He notes that the two-thirds vote will require the elected bodies to work together for passage of any tax legislation. "Any tax that does pass with this legislation will be assured of a complete and thorough discussion," said Sen. Ward.

Sen. Ward points out 14 states-encompassing one-third of Americans are protected from hasty taxation by similar state laws requiring a two-third majority vote in their state legislatures.

"The tax-and-spend philosophies are slowed way down by these kinds of laws, while on the other side of the fence, state economies become much more productive," said Sen. Ward.

Sen. Ward said SJR 10 will be introduced to the Senate Monday Feb. 22.