WORCESTER— The Massachusetts Nurses Association has not endorsed state Rep. John P. Fresolo for the Sept. 19 primary, an MNA official said yesterday.

Mr. Fresolo’s office sent a press release via e-mail to the Telegram & Gazette last week saying that the MNA had endorsed him. The press release said the endorsement came “following a legislative session that has seen a number of health care reforms aimed at improving medical services.”

While in the past the MNA has endorsed Mr. Fresolo, who represents the 16th Worcester District, it has endorsed no one in that district this year, according to MNA Communications Director David J. Schildmeier, although it endorsed Rep. John J. Binienda of the 17th Worcester District this year. Mr. Fresolo’s statement did not indicate that the endorsement was not for this year.

Also last week, when asked by a reporter about his education, Mr. Fresolo said that he had been in a “two-year program” at Central New England College. Asked when he graduated, he replied, “In 1985.” Asked what he majored in, he said, “Business.”

The Telegram & Gazette reported Monday that he had a two-year business degree. When a reporter attempted to question him Monday night after the story ran, Mr. Fresolo said he did not have a business degree and that the college “went out” before he could complete his work there.

He refused to answer further questions Monday night but said he would call Tuesday. He did not call back. The state representative also refused to answer questions last night after a candidate’s forum.

Central New England College is defunct but continued holding graduation ceremonies at least through 1987.

Both Melissa J. Murgo, who is challenging Mr. Fresolo in the Democratic primary, and Mr. Fresolo spoke last night at the candidates forum held by the Worcester Area League of Women Voters in the Saxe Room in the public library at Salem Square. Ms. Murgo said, “I’ve grown increasingly concerned by the emerging pattern of questionable information we have seen from our state representative.

“With all the issues that constituents face on a daily basis in your own lives, you should not always have to worry about whether you are being told the truth by your elected officials. You deserve better.”She also said, “I want someone on Beacon Hill who will stand up to special interests, put our hardworking families first and be honest.”

Mr. Fresolo said during the forum, “I have never told anyone that I have a business degree from Central New England College. I’ve told anyone who’s asked I attended Central New England College.”

Mr. Fresolo did not comment last night on the claimed MNA endorsement.

Mr. Fresolo took issue with another statement made by Ms. Murgo, a former legislative aide of his who is trying to unseat him in a second consecutive election. Ms. Murgo said that the ongoing Route 146 construction was supposed to be done by 2003.

Mr. Fresolo said, “Any holdups in that happened in the town of Millbury. I do not represent the town of Millbury.”

He said that Hurley Square and Brosnihan Square, the two major Worcester pieces of the Route 146 construction, are “full-throttle, full-speed ahead and fully funded.”