Washington, D.C. -July 7, 2012-
Paychecks are shrinking across the United States, especially in Florida.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average weekly paycheck in Florida dropped 2.8 percent to $847 dollars a week before taxes within the last year.
It's the fourth largest drop in wages workers the 50 states have seen with only Minnesota, Connecticut and Nevada residents taking a bigger hit.
Economists say more people are taking lower-paying jobs because Florida is tightening up on its unemployment benefits, which is causing the drop.
Some say the drop in wages may hurt Florida's economic recovery. While others argue an infusion of cheap labor may spur economic growth.
Georgia residents also saw a drop. Their paychecks are down 2.2 percent to $885 per week.
