I was reading a heartbreaking story in The Salt Lake Tribune recently, about an older lady who had been homeless for seven years in Ogden. She lost her home, like so many others in this state, due to becoming bankrupt from medical bills.
It so happens that Utah happens to be one of the hard-hearted states that only allow a $44,000 exemption on your home when it comes to bankruptcy. That means that if you have equity in excess of $44,000 in your home, the power brokers, banks, hospitals, bankruptcy court, etc., to whom you owe money can force the sale of your home and kick you out in the street.
There are several states that have fought this out years ago, primarily to the heavy property losses during the Depression. Those states that have 100% exemptions for homeowners are, Florida, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
I urge all Utah citizens to write their elected state representatives to pass legislation to extend a 100% homestead exemption act for all Utah homesteads. Those who do not back this bill should be voted out of office. Having a roof over your head should be an American right and not considered a luxury.
Ron Overman, West Valley City
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