Two state officials hold very different views concerning a survey ranking Illinois as 49th in the nation in terms of state funding for higher education during the past 10 years.

The figures, compiled by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, were part of a survey conducted by the Center for Higher Education at Illinois State University in Normal.

Rick Davis, spokesman for Comptroller Roland Burris, said, “We have said repeatedly that the current administration (Gov. James Thompson’s) does not hold education as a high priority.”

However, at yesterday’s press conference at Faraday Hall, Lt. Gov. George Ryan said, “The governor has made education a priority, but the General Assembly hasn’t responded to that.”

Gov. Thompson’s fiscal year 1990 budget will provide half of the $700 million in new revenue to education. Higher education will receive a proportionate share.

“We need more money to lessen tuition, more money to increase salaries to keep faculty at universities. Whether it is new taxes or programs where this comes from, I don’t know, but I do know there has to be more money for education,” Ryan said.

Davis said Comptroller Roland Burris, who is a possible gubernatorial candidate, has no specific ideas for helping education but does hold education as a top priority. The rankings are not a major concern, Davis said.

“The ranking doesn’t matter. We could be ranked 50th and be doing a good job, or we could be ranked 1st and be doing a bad job.”

The IBHE is concerned that these figures prove that Illinois is not as competitive as neighboring states. The danger of that is loss of quality teachers to other universities and colleges.

Ross Hodell, IBHE spokesman, said the probability of a tax increase is “very much a live issue in Springfield.” Because of the non-election year, there is a large section of the legislature who will support a tax increase, he said.

“I guess only the good Lord knows the answer to that one … No one can rule that out. It might happen.”

A bill proposing a state income tax increase and supported by Barbara Currie, D-Chicago, is scheduled for vote on the Illinois House of Representatives’ floor May 3.