The tough housing market is expected to continue to be a drag on the state's tax collections even after the economy begins to pick up in future years, according to forecasters.

There were few changes Tuesday in what state economists believe will happen with property values for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. Forecasters met and moved the expected growth rate for taxable property values up to 0.83 percent. That's a few ticks up from 0.75 percent -- and both are negligible changes that aren't expected to produce much revenue.

In the final days of the lame-duck session of the 112th Congress, when most eyes have turned to the impending realities of the fiscal cliff, Floridas representatives are pushing hard, lending their names to bills and resolutions, hoping to receive a swipe of the presidents pen by years end.

Congressmen have pursued these bills since Election Day, giving themselves only three more weeks to approve legislation before the session ends and new legislation must be drawn up.