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One-Stop Economic Resource 
Center
Across our state, residents are struggling with dwindling savings, foreclosures, spiraling credit card debt, lost jobs and more. As a result, each day families in our state are forced to make difficult financial choices that will affect their lives for years to come. These families deserve access to all the help available to them.
In an effort to help Washington state residents make informed financial decisions, access all of the help available to them, and to keep them informed on the very latest on economic recovery plans, I have established this One-Stop Economic Resource Center.
Here, in one place, you will find important economic resources from across our state and nation. I hope this will provide assistance during these very difficult economic times.
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Help with Housing
Foreclosure
- Access free, effective help to avoid foreclosure using foreclosure counseling services in your area
- Read the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Guide to Avoiding Foreclosure
- Learn more about alternatives to foreclosure
- Help avoiding foreclosure scams
- Learn more about how a recent settlement with Countrywide Financial will offer mortgage relief to nearly 10,000 Washingtonians and help them avoid foreclosure
- Helpful information on mortgage servicers
- Help finding your mortgage lender
- Contacts and information on legal aid for low-income residents
Purchasing a Home in Today's Market
- Find out more about responsible steps toward homeownership
- Attend home buying classes in Washington state
- Learn how to avoid predatory lending
- Find out more about how the recession has affected the home loan market
- Learn about good loan programs that are still available
Affordable Housing
- Find information on affordable housing and get additional housing help from the Washington State Housing Finance Commission – HERE
- Find information and income limits for rental assistance from the federal government
State and Fderal Probrams that Can Help
- Find more information on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s HOPE for Homeowners program which will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments.
- Find out if you are eligible for FHASecure a refinancing option through the federal government that gives homeowners, including those delinquent on their mortgage, the ability to refinance into a FHA-insured mortgage
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Help with Your Money
WaMu and the Changing Market
- Answers to frequently asked question for WaMu banking customers.
- Important information for AIG policyholders
- What to do if your brokerage firm closes its doors
- Important information on federal program that guarantees money market funds
- Information on financial education and literacy
Keeping Your Savings Safe and Secure
- Find out about the financial health of your bank or credit union
- Get the basics on account insurance including important recent changes
- Learn more about account insurance through the FDIC
- Calculate your FDIC insurance coverage
- Find your bank or savings institution in Washington state
- Financial scam and fraud alerts in Washington state
- File a complaint about your bank, credit union, or lending institution
Safeguarding Your Retirement
- Important information on retirement and health care coverage for dislocated workers
- Learn about your retirement plan’s Required Minimum Distribution
Debt Services
- Find consumer credit counseling services in Washington state for residents struggling with struggling with multiple forms of debt
- Determine your debt to income ratio to determine your ability to secure a loan
- Calculate debt payoff goals
- Budget calculator
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Help for Workers and Job Seekers
Unemployment Insurance
- Apply for Unemployment insurance benefits in Washington state
- Learn about unemployment insurance eligibility
- Learn about extended unemployment insurance benefits
Job Search/In Demand Careers in Washington State
- Learn about job searches
- Learn about in demand careers and labor market information in your area
Job Training
- Learn about Washington state job training programs
- Find your local WorkSource career center
- Find the closest Washington state Job Corps job training center
- Access important employment resources for veterans in Washington state. Additional programs for veterans.
- Help determining your job training needs
- Information on Washington state youth employment training programs
Colleges and Universities
- Information on Washington state’s universities, community colleges, and technical schools
- Learn about Washington state work-study programs
- Helpful information on Washington state’s Student Financial Assistance Programs
- Learn more about Washington state’s Educational Opportunity Grant program for some financially needy students
- Apply online for Federal Student Aid
- Learn about college admission standards in Washington state
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Help for Struggling Families
Apply for State Assistance
- Apply for food stamps, cash, or child care help from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Nutrition
- Helpful information on state food programs
- Find food stamp organizations in your area if you want to apply in person
- Find a food bank near you in Washington state
- Access healthy food and support services for women and children
- Get helpful tips on eating right during tough economic times
Health Care
- Get information about Medicaid and other medical help in Washington State
- Get information or apply for Washington state’s Basic Health program which provides low-cost health care coverage through private health plans to many who don’t qualify for Medicaid
- Answers to frequently asked questions about health care assistance in Washington State
- Information on COBRA Continuation Health Coverage
Help Lowering Your Bills
- Important energy saving tips
- View the income eligibility for Washington State’s Low Income Weatherization Program
- Find weatherization agencies in your area (Page 2)
- Information on energy bill assistance programs in Washington state (LIHEAP)
- Income eligibility guidelines for energy bill assistance
- Find where to apply for energy bill assistance in Washington state
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Help for Small Business Owners
- Information on farm loan programs
- Help for manufacturers to stay competitive
- Loan programs, training and mentoring from the U.S. Small Business Administration
- Help for minority-owned businesses
- Find Washington State small business lenders
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News Releases
11/24/2008
Murray Statement on President-Elect Obama's Economic Team
11/20/2008
Murray Works to Extend Unemployment Assistance, Provide Help to Struggling Families
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In the News
Lawmakers talk money with devastated business leaders – KOMO 4 News - 
Northwest business leaders plead for federal help
– Bellingham Herald
State will get $628,800 to help families avoid foreclosure on homes – The Columbian (Vancouver)
