02:31 PM CDT on Tuesday, July 20, 2004

Associated Press

A Texas House leader says school finance should be addressed -- along with other state budget demands -- during the 2005 legislative session.

The sentiment comes from budget writer Representative Talmadge Heflin of Houston, who chairs the House Appropriations Committee.

Governor Rick Perry has suggested another special legislative session to rework the school finance system could come this summer.

But Perry yesterday also left open the door to wait until the regular session begins in January.

Heflin says on an issue as tough as school finance, lawmakers also have to look at the entire tax code -- not just a part that focuses on public education.

Upcoming national political conventions also limit the window of opportunity for lawmakers to return to Austin for a special legislative session.