Information on state tax support of higher education in the United States is presented. In addition to trend data since 1976, data on state tax-fund appropriations for each state and specific colleges and systems are provided for fiscal years (FY) 1985-1986 and 1986-1987. A narrative section reveals that there was an increase of nearly two billion dollars in FY 1987 over FY 1986. While 1987 showed a gain of 14% in support of higher education, the rate of gain slowed. One-year and 2-year gains in support are indicated, and 2-year gains for the nation are also arranged in quartiles and quadrants. Quaartiles show the range of changes, quadrants focus on regional groupings and variations. An additional table incorporates the sizes of the projected growth rates in general fund revenues from FY 1986 to FY 1987 and the 2-year percentage gains using data for the 13 states in the top quartile and the 12 states in the bottom quartile. Data are provided for appropriations to main campuses, branch campuses, and medical centers, and state coordinating or governing boards. Some state profiles include appropriations for state scholarships or other student financial aid. Excluded are appropriations for capital outlays and debt service. (SW)