AUGUSTA – The National Governors’ Association on Tuesday endorsed legislation being drafted by U.S. Sen. Susan Collins that would give states more funds through the Medicaid program.

The measure would increase federal aid to the states by changing the Medicaid formula and by providing additional block grants to some states. The NGA endorsed the proposal during a news conference in Washington, D.C.

“I strongly support this legislation,” said Maine Gov. Angus King, who did not attend the NGA’s news conference on the proposal, but reacted during a telephone interview while on the road between meetings in Maine. “I believe this is so important to Maine I sent Sen. Collins a personal e-mail thanking her for being a leader on this issue.”

King said the measure would certainly not solve Maine’s budget woes but it would help offset the loss of state revenues that are a result of the economic stimulus package passed earlier this year by Congress and signed by President Bush.

“That cost us, but this would give us a bigger Medicaid match and would offset about $20 million we lost,” he said. Medicaid spending in Maine, from both state and federal funds, totals nearly $1 billion a year. Medicaid pays for health care for the poor and includes nursing home care for the elderly poor.

“The legislation I am introducing will help to bridge Maine’s funding gap by bringing an additional $50 million to my state’s Medicaid programs and other social services over the next two years,” Collins said in a statement. “This should not only forestall the need for any further cuts, but will provide additional funds for Maine to proceed with its plans to expand its Medicaid program to provide health care coverage for more of our low-income uninsured.”

King said he hopes that is the case, but said Maine is facing a $180 million budget shortfall over the next 14 months and expanding any programs will be difficult.

“This is important legislation,” he said. “In my e-mail I joked to Sen. Collins that if she can get this through, I will support putting up a statue of her in Capitol Park.”