Ricketts

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA 10 MICHAEL BRAGGS, No. 2:23–cv–00598–KJM–KJN PS Plaintiff, FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

ON PLAINTIFF’S IFP REQUEST

v.

DONAT RICKETTS, Defendant. 16 Plaintiff, who is proceeding without counsel in this action, requests leave to proceed in forma pauperis (“IFP”). (ECF No. 2.) See 28 U.S.C. § 1915 (authorizing the commencement of an action “without prepayment of fees or security” by a person who is unable to pay such fees). The affidavit in support of the motion indicates plaintiff has a monthly income of approximately $2,000 ($24,000 annually), has no liquid assets, and has monthly expenses of $2,380. (See ECF No. 2.) According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the current poverty guideline for a household of one (not residing in Alaska or Hawaii) is $14,580.00. See https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines. As plaintiff’s gross household income is over 150% of the 2023 poverty guideline, the court…