PORTLAND, Maine (AP) More than a dozen nursing homes have shuttered in Maine over the last five years, and operators say the governor’s decision to hold off $1 million in additional funding isn’t helping.

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills held the bill over concerns that the extra state money could have the unintended effect of jeopardizing federal funding.

Critics say lawmakers have been too slow to act to boost funding for nursing homes in light of the voter-approved minimum wage hike in 2016.

Jonesport Selectman William Milliken says his community and others are weighing how to provide nursing home services in rural areas with shrinking, aging populations.

The Department of Health and Human Services is also launching an advisory group tasked with improving long-term services for older Mainers in their homes and communities.