(TheProudRepublic.com) – In a shocking display of disregard for hardworking Americans, a Nebraska man nearly lost his home over a measly $588 tax debt.
Kevin Fair’s years-long struggle against an unjust system highlights the dangerous consequences of unchecked power.
Fair found himself at the mercy of Scotts Bluff County’s harsh tax collection policies in 2018.
The county exploited a now-changed Nebraska law to sell the lien on Fair’s home to a private investor over an insignificant $588 tax debt.
This move set off a chain of events that would challenge the very foundations of property rights in America.
As medical issues plagued Fair and his wife, they fell behind on their property taxes despite having paid off their mortgage.
The vulture-like private investor seized on their misfortune and demanded a whopping $5,268 in taxes, interest and fees.
Since they could not meet this extortion, the Fairs faced the unthinkable – losing their home of nearly 30 years, a cherished wedding gift from Kevin’s mother.
Fair spoke out against the system that threatened to rob him of his American Dream, declaring, “They stand to make the money, and I won’t have anything after living here for 25 years.”
Fair’s legal battle spanned years and reached the highest courts in the land.
The Pacific Legal Foundation took up Fair’s cause, arguing that seizing home equity exceeding the debt amount was unconstitutional.
Their tireless efforts ended in a victory that saved Fair’s home and reaffirmed a fundamental truth – home equity is constitutionally protected.
The fact that it took the U.S. Supreme Court to force the Nebraska court to reconsider its initial ruling against Fair is baffling.
Although sweet, the victory comes with a bitter aftertaste for Fair. His beloved wife passed away in 2019, unable to see their home saved.
Fair himself suffered a stroke and now requires a ramp to access the very home he fought so hard to keep.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $10,000 to assist Fair with his ongoing challenges.
Fair’s ordeal was not in vain. Nebraska has been forced to confront the injustices in its laws.
It changed its statute in 2023 to protect homeowners from losing equity over unpaid property taxes.
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