NASHVILLE — Governor Phil Bredesen announced today the state of Tennessee has launched a new "Help for Tennessee Families" Web site designed to help citizens in these difficult economic times with information about finding a job, job training, access to health care services, and tips for reducing energy and transportation costs.
 
"As a state, we offer or administer a wide variety of programs and services that can help Tennesseans weather these tough economic times," Bredesen said. "We hope this tool will make it easier for Tennessee families to find information or link to the resources that can make a difference in their ability to find a job, get health insurance or health care services, reduce their energy consumption, or pay for college."
 
Tennesseans can access the new Web site at www.TN.gov by clicking on "Help for Tennessee Families" or at www.TN.gov/helpforfamilies.
 
The Web site's Job Center has information for Tennesseans looking for work or job training, with specific information for veterans in need of job placement, job seekers 55 years of age or older, and workers whose company has moved or shifted production to another country. The site's Business Center provides information on financing for small business and how to find a mentor to help jump start or retool a business.
 
The Energy and Transportation section offers information for those who need assistance with heating and cooling expenses, tips on ways to increase energy efficiency and save on power bills, or looking for ways to reduce transportation costs.
 
Sections on Health Insurance, Health Care and Healthier Living highlight the Cover Tennessee and TENNderCARE programs, offer assistance to those who need help getting vaccines for children, dental care, or screenings for breast and cervical cancer, or looking for information about the Food Stamp or Free and Reduced Price school lunch program.
 
Other sections of the new site include Food and Nutrition, Paying for College, and Affordable Activities, with information on low-cost getaways and how to sign up to receive free books for children under five through the Imagination Library.