By Brett Barrouquere
The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - Angered by Gov. Ernie Fletcher's new state health insurance plan, the Jefferson County Teachers Association called for a statewide strike at the end of September.

The decision about a one-day strike Sept. 30 falls to the Kentucky Education Association, which will consider the issue Sept. 17 at a meeting in Frankfort.

The unanimous voice vote of more than 200 teachers came after nearly 90 minutes of presentations about the health plan and a proposed reaction to it at the Jefferson County Teachers Association meeting.

"The governor has given us no other choice. We have to do whatever it takes," association president Brent McKim said.

Fletcher announced new premiums and deductible limits Tuesday, saying $29 million in unanticipated state revenues would be applied to the cost. The bulk of that was an added 1 percent pay raise for teachers and state employees, beginning Jan. 1.

McKim said even with the extra money, Fletcher had shifted $150 million more in insurance costs to employees and the pay raise is not enough to make up for the cost increase.

KEA President Frances Steenbergen told the teachers she would not recommend a strike before the November elections. Steenbergen asked teachers to poll their schools about support for a strike.

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet Secretary Bob Ramsey met with the Jefferson County teachers, calling Fletcher's plan the best option to deal with rising health care costs.

"You would expect the government to be protective of your tax dollars," Ramsey said.

Ramsey's presentation was greeted with a hostile reception, as teachers jeered, interrupted his speech and shouted questions at him.

Also Wednesday, about 70 state employees marched in rain at the Capitol, many carrying hand-lettered posters that became illegibly streaked in a persistent drizzle.