Joint Legislative Session Kills Tax Proposal, 155-115

Governor Paul A. Dever's special session of the Legislature yesterday knocked out an administration-backed proposal for a graduated state income tax by a vote of 155 to 115.

The United Labor Committee, headed by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Francis Lee Higginson Professor of History, came out in favor of the proposal Monday. Schlesinger said last night only that he was "very disappointed."

Called by Dever

Governor Dever called the joint session after the Senate's refusal to hold the meeting as proposed by the House. Although the bill was defeated by the strong Republican bloc in the Senate, with assistance from House Republicans, Rep. Robert T. Murphy (D-Malden), Democratic floor leader in the House, yesterday set in motion the legal machinery for re-consideration.

Also up before the joint session was a proposal calling for an amendment recognizing "the family as the natural primary social unit." Action on the amendment was postponed.