AUBURN – After five years of nearly-flat funding, Maine nursing homes want more state money.

And if they don’t get it soon, they say, Maine’s oldest residents will suffer.

“A difficult budget time is no excuse for failing to live up to our responsibility to our elders,” said Rick Erb, president of the Maine Health Care Association, at a press conference on the issue Friday.

Health care costs have increased much faster than inflation. But over the last five years, state payments to nursing homes have increased, on average, 1 percent, Erb said.

Most nursing home funding comes from the state.

Certified Nursing Assistants, or CNAs, handle much of the hands-on care and they have borne the brunt of that limited funding, nursing home leaders and some lawmakers say. On average, CNAs make about $10 an hour.

“It’s a real calling for people, but you can only ask so much,” Erb said.

Some CNAs have left the profession to work retail or in restaurants, where they can earn the same money but deal with less stress. Between 2002 and 2004, the number of newly trained CNAs dropped by 44 percent. If CNAs don’t get a raise – now – some fear that number will drop even more.

“Maine’s nursing homes are basically in a crisis,” said State Rep. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn.

Last year, the state spent $64.8 million on nursing homes. It was set to spend about $66 million this year, but that was cut to $60.1 million to help make up a budget shortfall.

Gov. John Baldacci and Republican lawmakers have proposed $66.6 million again for next year, essentially flat-funding. They want to add $6 million the year after that.

Democratic lawmakers want to add $3 million next year and $6 million the year after that.

The Maine Health Care Association, which represents over 300 assisted -living and nursing home providers, backs the Democratic proposal. But Erb fears the state’s budget troubles will eat away at any increase.

“I’m very concerned about the future,” he said.

The legislative Appropriations Committee is considering the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget now. Legislative leaders have asked the committee to finish its work and recommend a budget to the full Legislature by next weekend.

The committee is expected to consider nursing home funding in the coming days.