In recent days, Illinois taxpayers have not been too enchanted with Gov. James Thompson. Despite his campaign claims there would be no tax increases in store for the state in 1987, the governor is requesting citizens to support his planned budget through a tax increase.

Angry Illinoisans cannot understand why the governor is expecting them to pay more to the state when he said all along they wouldn’t have to.

It seems, however, that those same infuriated taxpayers might not be considering where a large portion of their money would be going—to higher education.

And higher education would be a worthy recipient of the citizens’ money. It is with institutions of higher learning, after all, that the state’s future lies.

Several state colleges have found themselves having to limit enrollment because the funding is not available to pay additionally needed faculty and staff or expand classroom space. With additional funding, universities would not have to turn away students who desire an education.

Also, Thompson’s plan calls for a 6 percent salary increase for all faculty and staff members at state universities. This would ensure that quality individuals who might consider leaving the universities for higher paying jobs could be lured to stay.

Opponents of the tax increase, such as State Sen. Patrick Welch, D-Peru, say the hike is unnecessary because there could be additional revenue flowing into the state’s economy. Welch said Illinois is expected to generate $300 million to $400 million in additional revenue and that more money could come from an expected $125 million in federal tax relief.

But in each of those claims the word “expected” stands out as a signal that none of that additional revenue could be counted on as a sure thing.

State Comptroller Roland Burris recently announced the state had its lowest month-end balance in history, stressing that state funds are well below the level needed to pay its bills on time. With this type of situation haunting the state treasury, it is no time to count on money we don’t have in our pockets.

Early indications are that the General Assembly will strike down Thompson’s request for the tax boost, most likely due to concern for citizens who oppose a hike. But Welch, as a legislator and a member of the Higher Education Committee, should reject his concerns for popularity and instead put a higher priority on improving education in the state by supporting the incease.