Hopes for an agreement on a plan to cut taxes for Florida homeowners and businesses faded further this morning as Senate President Ken Pruitt told senators to stay home at least until Monday -- the final day lawmakers have to hammer out a deal for the Jan. 29 ballot. Story here.

Writes Pruitt: "After consultation with Majority Leader Webster and Minority Leader Geller, we do not intend to meet this week in Special Session. We have not determined that the Senate will return; however, if we return, it will be on Monday morning, October 29, 2007. For many, this would require making travel arrangements to be in Tallahassee on Sunday evening. Please make arrangements accordingly.  We will send another e-mail out Friday providing certainty on Monday's schedule.

Should we proceed with a tax reform and reduction package, we believe it will be important to include the basic principles that were the foundation of the Special Session call. First, we must reduce property taxes for Floridians. Second, we must minimize any negative impact to education. Finally, we must craft a proposal that will be understood and accepted by Florida voters.

Senators, these important points will be the basis of any plan that would be considered. Because our Governor and our partners in the House of Representatives have publicly shared these goals throughout the process, I believe we have reason to be cautiously optimistic.  However, there is still much work to be done, and the time clock is not our friend."