Multer Asks for Larger Reduction In Student Taxes

For the second consecutive year a tax bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives which would allow parents to deduct the entire cost of their children's college education. Last year's bill did pass Congress, but only in a modified form.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Abraham J. Multer of New York, however, does not think it will even get out of committee this year unless there is a great deal of active student support.

"I proposed the bill on Jan. 11 and it was immediately referred to the Ways and Means Committee," Multer said yesterday. "But so far, the chairman, Rep. Jere Cooper, hasn't even scheduled a hearing for it. He probably won't either, unless he gets a lot of pressure from those interested in it."

Last Year's Bill Limited

Last year's bill limited deductions to $600 when the bill was finally passed by Congress. This is the present law, but it does not go far enough according to Multer, "No one can maintain children in college for $600," he said. "My bill seeks to extend the arbitrary figure decided upon last year."

Multer is convinced the bill will pass the House if it ever gets through committee. "It's not a matter of partisanship," he said, "but only of public interest. If the bill gets to the floor, it will pass."

Last week the National Students Association gave active support to the bill in its original form. As an N.S.A. member, the Student Council also supported it. John R. Green '56, this year's Council president, said last night he intended to bring up the Multer bill for Council discussion and possible action a week from Monday.