11:14 PM EDT on Saturday, October 2, 2004

Associated Press

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Groups representing state employees and community college teachers held their state conference Saturday, and delegates voted to authorize their leadership to "take whatever action necessary" in response to the state health insurance situation, an official said.

About 75 delegates from the Kentucky Association of State Employees and the Kentucky chapter of the American Federation of Teachers had their state conference in Lexington. The delegates voted unanimously in favor of a resolution giving their leadership considerable leeway in responding to the state's health insurance issue, said Charles Wells, executive director of KASE.

Wells said he did not anticipate state employees would strike, but some delegates Saturday indicated a willingness to take personal time to back up teachers if they were to go on strike later this month.

Gov. Ernie Fletcher has said he will convene a special session of the General Assembly on Tuesday to deal with the state health plan for school district employees and state workers. Fletcher announced an overhauled health insurance plan last month that resulted in public opposition. Many of those insured under the state health plan said it would cause their health insurance expenses to rise dramatically next year.

The Kentucky Education Association said its members would go on strike later this month if their current benefits are not restored.

House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, spoke at the conference Saturday, Wells said.

"We don't anticipate a strike," Wells said. "We're going to try to work through the legislative process."

Wells has said previously that it would be risky for state employees to go on strike because they could lose their jobs.

Wells said he would try to persuade lawmakers during their special session to improve health insurance benefits for state workers next year.