Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-02023/USCOURTS-caed-1_14-cv-02023-0/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 442
Nature of Suit: Civil Rights Employment
Cause of Action: 42:2000e Job Discrimination (Employment)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

RICHARD P. SORIANO, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

FRESNO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, et 

al.,

Defendants.

Case No. 1:14-cv-02023---SAB

ORDER DENYING APPLICATIONS TO 

PROCEED IN FORMA PAUPERIS

(ECF No. 2, 3)

On December 19, 2014, Plaintiffs Richard P. Soriano and Frank R. Ortiz (“Plaintiffs”) 

filed the complaint in this action. (ECF No. 1.) Plaintiffs also filed two separate applications to 

proceed in forma pauperis without prepayment of the filing fee on the same day. (ECF No. 2.)

In order to proceed in court without prepayment of the filing fee, Plaintiff must submit an 

affidavit demonstrating that he “is unable to pay such fees or give security therefor.” 28 U.S.C. 

§ 1915(a)(1). In assessing whether a certain income level meets the poverty threshold under 

Section 1915(a)(1), courts look to the federal poverty guidelines developed each year by the 

Department of Health and Human Services. See, e.g., Lint v. City of Boise, No. CV09-72-SEJL, 2009 WL 1149442, at *2 (D. Idaho Apr. 28, 2009) (and cases cited therein).

Plaintiffs’ applications state that no one is dependent upon either Plaintiff for support. 

The 2014 Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states for a household of one is $11,670.00. 

Case 1:14-cv-02023-KJM-SAB Document 4 Filed 12/24/14 Page 1 of 2
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2014 Poverty Guidelines, http://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty/14poverty.cfm (last visited August 12, 

2014).

Plaintiff Richard P. Soriano stated in his application that his take-home pay is $2,000.00 

per month, which amounts to approximately $24,000.00 per year. Plaintiff Frank R. Ortiz stated 

in his application that his take-home pay is $2,040.00 per month, which amounts to 

approximately $24,480.00 per year. Both income levels are substantially higher than the poverty 

level. Neither Plaintiff identified expenses that would prevent Plaintiffs from paying the filing 

fee.

Plaintiffs’ applications to proceed in forma pauperis demonstrates that Plaintiffs are able 

to pay the $400.00 filing fee in this action as their reported annual income is significantly higher 

than their reported annual expenses. Moreover, Plaintiffs’ incomes are substantially higher than 

the 2014 Poverty Guidelines.

Based upon the foregoing, the Court finds that Plaintiffs are not eligible to proceed in

forma pauperis under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. Accordingly, it is HEREBY ORDERED that Plaintiffs’ 

applications to proceed in forma pauperis are DENIED and Plaintiffs shall pay the $400.00 filing 

fees within thirty (30) days. If the filing fee is not paid within thirty (30) days, this action will be 

dismissed.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: December 24, 2014 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:14-cv-02023-KJM-SAB Document 4 Filed 12/24/14 Page 2 of 2