I'll wait for others to reply for the other parts of your post, but I will address the CS.
The Consumer Credit Protection Act limits the amount that can be garnished. In your situation the max amount will be 55% of your net (after tax) income. They are apparently deducting way too much.
Go to http://www4.lawcornell.edu/uscode/#TITLES print out the act in Title 15 chapter 41 and take a copy to your employer and send a copy to the state to remind them that they cannot garnish more than 55%.

