But sliding revenue figures in recent years have diminished the fund. It peaked at $502.3 million in fiscal 2006, according to state figures, but declined to $413 million in the current fiscal year. Social programs consequently suffered.

The fund's biggest expenses are the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled and the Senior Gold programs that help underwrite prescription costs. The state budgeted $215.5 million on these programs this year, down from $309 million in fiscal year 2005.

Other top programs include personal care, for which the state's $60 million allocation is down from $111 million last year, and transportation assistance for senior and disabled residents, which is up $2 million to $36.9 million from last year.

Trommelen, like a number of others Friday, said he supports proposed legislation that would rework the fund's internal formula and increase the amount set aside for transportation from 7.5 percent to 8.5 percent.

The Assembly bill to make the change is in committee but awaits a full Senate vote.

Others on Friday recounted the value of the programs, while saying they could help more needy with expanded funds.

Henry Nicolson, director of Monmouth County's division of transportation, said the program helps transport people with disabilities and deliver meals to homebound people. He supports the funding shift, but said "this is a temporary band-aid for the needs we see."

David Ricci, coordinator for the state's Adult Protective Services, said the number of his office's investigations into abuse or exploitation have increased from 3,700 to 4,600 in 10 years.

He said the office is similar to the state's Division of Youth and Family Services in trying to prevent harm. But the effort becomes harder, he said, as funds fail to keep up with growing demands.

"We would hate to see adults in the position we see them in without the ability to intervene on their behalf," he said.

E-mail Derek Harper:

DHarper@pressofac.com