Michael Pung v. Isabella County
County seizes family home over tax bill that was never owed
The Supreme Court will decide whether Scott Pung’s heirs are entitled to the equity they had in their longtime family home.
State of Washington v. Tim Eyman
Washington activist challenges crushing government fines that ignore ability to pay
For two decades, Tim Eyman was Washington’s most prolific citizen activist, sponsoring 17 statewide ballot initiatives. His most notable success, Initiative 695, slashed car tab fees to $30 and proved wildly popular with voters—saving taxpayers an estimated $750 million in its first year alone. Washington’s political establishment despised him for it. In 2017, the State […]
Faytima Howard v. Macomb County
Michigan woman asks Supreme Court to end state's home equity theft work-around
For three generations of Faytima Howard’s family, a house in Clinton Township, Michigan, was home. But after the house was damaged by a fire, they lost nearly everything. Howard faced challenges securing insurance money to cover the repairs and ultimately fell behind on her property taxes. That’s when her situation went from bad to worse. […]
Kathy Sarkisian v. City of the Village of Douglas, MI
Michigan town gives neighbors veto power over chickens, property rights, and due process
Kathy Sarkisian is challenging the City ordinance that illegally gives neighbors absolute power over chicken permits and use of property that’s not theirs, and does so without due process.
Clear Sky Holdings, LLC v. Estate of Gaston Powell, Sr.
Protecting family’s century-old home equity from DC’s predatory taxation
Gaston Powell’s loved ones are fighting back against DC’s predatory tax foreclosure process and excessive penalties to ensure their family legacy and home’s equity aren’t wiped out by illegal government overreach.
DJB Rentals, LLC v. City of Largo, Florida
Florida City’s massive fines are a money-making scheme disguised as code enforcement
Don Bourgeois has taken his fight to federal court to restore his rights and end Largo’s destructive and illegal use of fining power as a money-making scheme.
In re Petition of Alger, Iron County Treasurers for Foreclosure
Fighting home equity theft in Michigan’s unlawful claims process
The Michigan and United States Constitutions demand that government pay the owner for property it takes, at a minimum, by selling the property and returning any surplus to former owners. No matter what claim processes lawmakers put on the books, once a government takes property, the government must pay for it.
Koetter v. Manistee County Treasurer
Fighting home equity theft in Michigan’s unlawful claims process
Chelsea is asking the Michigan Supreme Court to finish what it started in Rafaeli and confirm her right to just compensation without complicated claims procedures and unreasonably tight deadlines.
Matthew Schafer, et al. v. Kent County, MI
Holding Michigan counties accountable to stop home equity theft
A court decision’s date doesn’t dictate the beginning or end of property rights. The Michigan Supreme Court in Rafaeli and the U.S. Supreme Court in Tyler v. Hennepin County both recognized that property interests at stake in government tax foreclosures are deeply rooted and pre-exist state law. Property cannot be taken without just compensation, no matter when the taking happens. Represented by PLF at no charge, Matt and other Kent County property owners are urging Michigan’s high court to finish what it started in Rafaeli and confirm their constitutional right to just compensation, regardless of when the government unlawfully takes private property.