In re: Michael R. Walko

IN THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA IN RE: ) Case No. 24-22684-JAD MICHAEL R. WALKO, Chapter 13 Debtor. Related to ECF No. 67 & 70 MEMORANDUM OPINION I. Introduction The question before the Court is simple to ask, but harder to answer: may a debtor’s chapter 13 plan classify a nondischargeable, unsecured debt for special treatment and pay it in full while paying nothing to his other unsecured creditors? Congress, in drafting chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Code (

11 U.S.C. § 101

et seq.), told us two things at once. Section 1322(b)(1) provides that a…