Opinion
Case No. 11-C-0598.
June 24, 2011
ORDER
Plaintiff has filed an action against defendant Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, claiming it wrongfully discriminated against him on account of his race. With his complaint he has filed a motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis along with his declaration of assets and income. From these filings, it is unclear whether Mr. Bell is indigent. Generally speaking, in forma pauperis status is reserved for those plaintiffs who are incarcerated or who have almost no means at their disposal. See 28 U.S.C. § 1915.
Here, the plaintiff indicates that he has $1,250 in monthly income but it is unclear what monthly expenses, if any, plaintiff actually pays. He fails to itemize any monthly expenses on page 5 of the form he submitted. Nor does he state the date he last worked or his income on page 3 of the form. The petition and affidavit to proceed in forma pauperis is not a mere technicality. In order for this Court to assess whether plaintiff qualifies to proceed in forma pauperis, plaintiff must provide the Court with sufficient information on his income and expenses. In its current state, plaintiff's petition and affidavit fails to provide such basic information.
Accordingly, plaintiff's motion to proceed in forma pauperis is denied without prejudice. Plaintiff's lawsuit will be dismissed within 21 days of the date of this order unless plaintiff either pays the required $350.00 filing fee or submits a complete petition and affidavit detailing his monthly expenses.
SO ORDERED this 23rd day of June, 2011.