Latest news with #Proposition32
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Editorial: Want more voter participation? Here's a way to get people more engaged.
Turnout in this week's municipal elections across Cook County was low. That's nothing new. A measly 286,301 out of 1.7 million suburban Cook County registered voters — 17% — cast a ballot in their local elections, which arguably have more impact on regular people's lives than what comes out of Washington and Springfield. That this is to be expected in local elections is a sad fact. Turnout in midterms is better, when about half of registered voters head to the polls. Still, a significant number of Illinois voters sit out Election Day. What if that could change? In other states, such as California, Arizona and Colorado, voters concerned or passionate about a policy issue have a path to get that issue before voters on the ballot. Consider: In the November election, California voters got to decide on raising the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour (they narrowly rejected Proposition 32) and stiffening penalties for certain theft and drug crimes (they overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36). Illinois voters should have the opportunity to send a message to politicians on the most important issues affecting their quality of life and cost of living. Unfortunately, they rarely have that chance. That's why we were pleased to see a number of suburban townships asking voters to weigh in on big issue advisory questions on April 1. In eight suburban townships, voters got to tell elected officials what they think about three important issues: pension reform, redistricting and unfunded mandates. We were encouraged that voters supported pension reform and fair maps, and opposed unfunded mandates. But these questions were non-binding, meaning they're merely advisory. Imagine the possibilities to overcome political lethargy on these issues if voters had meaningful power to initiate change on their own. While lawmakers can vote to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, regular citizens are extremely limited in their ability to do so. That's the reason we've only seen one citizen-driven ballot initiative, a 1980 measure that reduced the number of state representatives, while voters in other states have had scores of opportunities to make their voices heard. Even after more than 560,000 Illinois voters in 2016 signed a petition to amend the state Constitution to establish an independent commission for legislative redistricting, the Illinois Supreme Court tossed it off the ballot. Instead, we're stuck voting only on amendments politicians deign to give us, such as the graduated income tax, which was soundly rejected in 2020, and the workers' rights amendment, which passed narrowly in the 2022 midterm. In a state like Illinois, which is plagued by extreme gerrymandering that makes nearly half the state's population feel like they have no say in how they are governed, initiatives could be a particularly valuable way to level the playing field. Some flinch at this method of direct democracy, which allows citizens to bypass legislators. We would also be cautious in encouraging a citizen initiative process — anything too permissive risks badly undermining our representative democracy and inducing governing chaos. California, for example, has a very low signature requirement given its population, making it relatively easy to get an initiative on the ballot. Long ballots with numerous referendums that overwhelm voters can cause voter fatigue just as gerrymandered districts do. And we understand the risk that wealthy donors and special interests can use their organizational and financial resources to take inappropriate advantage of binding referendums. But greater direct citizen say has worked elsewhere to reverse voter apathy, and we think a liberalized voter initiative system could be just the kind of jolt frustrated Illinoisans need to feel more invested in exercising their franchise. There are safeguards we can use that other states have demonstrated are effective in ensuring voter initiatives aren't abused. For example, Arizona protects against voter confusion by imposing single-subject rules on initiatives, meaning a question can't connect unrelated issues to one another. Many states require geographic distribution of signatures collected to get an issue on the ballot, which promotes broader consensus and prevents initiatives from qualifying based solely on support from densely populated areas. As Illinois' political ecosystem exists today — and has for decades — a well-structured initiative system could serve as a new check on government and a means to impel lawmakers to follow the public will. On April 1, voters told us what they wanted on several key issues, including gerrymandering mentioned above. It's likely their elected officials won't do anything in response. We should be open-minded about ideas that could reverse this trend. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@
Chicago Tribune
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Want more voter participation? Here's a way to get people more engaged.
Turnout in this week's municipal elections across Cook County was low. That's nothing new. A measly 286,301 out of 1.7 million suburban Cook County registered voters — 17% — cast a ballot in their local elections, which arguably have more impact on regular people's lives than what comes out of Washington and Springfield. That this is to be expected in local elections is a sad fact. Turnout in midterms is better, when about half of registered voters head to the polls. Still, a significant number of Illinois voters sit out Election Day. What if that could change? In other states, such as California, Arizona and Colorado, voters concerned or passionate about a policy issue have a path to get that issue before voters on the ballot. Consider: In the November election, California voters got to decide on raising the state's minimum wage to $18 an hour (they narrowly rejected Proposition 32) and stiffening penalties for certain theft and drug crimes (they overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36). Illinois voters should have the opportunity to send a message to politicians on the most important issues affecting their quality of life and cost of living. Unfortunately, they rarely have that chance. That's why we were pleased to see a number of suburban townships asking voters to weigh in on big issue advisory questions on April 1. In eight suburban townships, voters got to tell elected officials what they think about three important issues: pension reform, redistricting and unfunded mandates. We were encouraged that voters supported pension reform and fair maps, and opposed unfunded mandates. But these questions were non-binding, meaning they're merely advisory. Imagine the possibilities to overcome political lethargy on these issues if voters had meaningful power to initiate change on their own. While lawmakers can vote to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot, regular citizens are extremely limited in their ability to do so. That's the reason we've only seen one citizen-driven ballot initiative, a 1980 measure that reduced the number of state representatives, while voters in other states have had scores of opportunities to make their voices heard. Even after more than 560,000 Illinois voters in 2016 signed a petition to amend the state Constitution to establish an independent commission for legislative redistricting, the Illinois Supreme Court tossed it off the ballot. Instead, we're stuck voting only on amendments politicians deign to give us, such as the graduated income tax, which was soundly rejected in 2020, and the workers' rights amendment, which passed narrowly in the 2022 midterm. In a state like Illinois, which is plagued by extreme gerrymandering that makes nearly half the state's population feel like they have no say in how they are governed, initiatives could be a particularly valuable way to level the playing field. Some flinch at this method of direct democracy, which allows citizens to bypass legislators. We would also be cautious in encouraging a citizen initiative process — anything too permissive risks badly undermining our representative democracy and inducing governing chaos. California, for example, has a very low signature requirement given its population, making it relatively easy to get an initiative on the ballot. Long ballots with numerous referendums that overwhelm voters can cause voter fatigue just as gerrymandered districts do. And we understand the risk that wealthy donors and special interests can use their organizational and financial resources to take inappropriate advantage of binding referendums. But greater direct citizen say has worked elsewhere to reverse voter apathy, and we think a liberalized voter initiative system could be just the kind of jolt frustrated Illinoisans need to feel more invested in exercising their franchise. There are safeguards we can use that other states have demonstrated are effective in ensuring voter initiatives aren't abused. For example, Arizona protects against voter confusion by imposing single-subject rules on initiatives, meaning a question can't connect unrelated issues to one another. Many states require geographic distribution of signatures collected to get an issue on the ballot, which promotes broader consensus and prevents initiatives from qualifying based solely on support from densely populated areas. As Illinois' political ecosystem exists today — and has for decades — a well-structured initiative system could serve as a new check on government and a means to impel lawmakers to follow the public will. On April 1, voters told us what they wanted on several key issues, including gerrymandering mentioned above. It's likely their elected officials won't do anything in response. We should be open-minded about ideas that could reverse this trend.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
California anti-poverty activist accused of defrauding investors out of more than $145 million
It seemed like the realization of the American dream: A man rose from poverty to attend Harvard University, find success on Wall Street, co-found an eco-friendly financial and sustainability company and even flirt with a presidential bid. But this week Joseph Sanberg, who made his fortune investing early in companies like Blue Apron, was taken into custody for his alleged role in bilking investors out of at least $145 million. Sanberg, 45, of Orange, was arrested Monday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The official court record is sealed, but in a statement authorities alleged he conspired to defraud two investor funds. Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration Partners Inc., appeared in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on Monday. He did not enter a plea and was released on $200,000 bail, records show. He's due back for arraignment March 28. The Times was unable to locate an attorney for Sanberg. A call to a number listed for him was not returned. Read more: He made millions as an L.A. investor. Now, he may run for president to fight poverty Over the years, Sanberg has drawn headlines for his anti-poverty activism — including pushing to establish a California version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which he benefited from as a child. Sanberg also founded a nonprofit, seeded with $3.5 million of his own money and six-figure contributions from donors such as the Annenberg Foundation, the Streisand Foundation and civil rights attorney Molly Munger, to launch an advertising campaign to make sure those eligible for the money received it. He also spearheaded Proposition 32, a failed 2024 ballot measure that would have raised California's minimum wage. In 2019, Sanberg considered running for the Democratic presidential nomination, but ultimately opted against it. Read more: Should California have a $18 minimum wage? Voters may get to decide The Justice Department this week announced that a man it identified as a co-conspirator — Ibrahim Ameen AlHusseini, 51 — had pleaded guilty to wire fraud for falsifying documents that aided in the alleged scheme. The Venice resident is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 29. AlHusseini could spend up to 20 years in prison with financial penalties totaling at least $250,000, authorities say. AlHusseini's attorney declined to comment on the case. AlHusseini was initially arrested in October on suspicion of securities fraud, according to the criminal complaint. That charge was dismissed with prejudice 'to facilitate his cooperation,' the Justice Department said. 'Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners have worked methodically to secure a guilty plea from one of the main offenders in this case,' Acting U.S. Atty. Joseph McNally said in a statement. Read more: San Francisco tech founder and wife arrested for allegedly defrauding investors out of millions Prosecutors allege Sanberg used a variety of individuals, led by AlHusseini, and fraudulent paperwork to commit wire fraud against two investor funds. He is accused of negotiating a $55-million loan from one fund, pledging shares of his company as collateral. To secure the loan, authorities allege Sanberg recruited AlHusseini, a member of Aspiration Partners' board of directors, to back the deal, even though he knew AlHusseini did not have the necessary assets. Court documents allege the pair furnished falsified documents that artificially inflated AlHusseini's assets. After securing that loan, authorities allege Sanberg refinanced it in 2021. This time, a second investor fund lent him $145 million and again, authorities say, Sanberg and AlHusseini provided falsified documents to secure it. According to the criminal complaint, Sanberg deftly coached AlHusseini on how to speak to investors to allay any concerns. He allegedly told an investment advisor that he would call off a deal if that individual were to try to independently verify the veracity of his and AlHusseini's financial claims, the complaint says. Sanberg defaulted on that loan in November 2022 and again the following spring, authorities say. Read more: Well-known stock trader and his L.A. firm are charged with fraud and market manipulation The loans were supposed to be backed by AlHusseini. However, he did not have that much money — having produced falsified brokerage and bank statements that inflated his financial assets, according to authorities. The duo also allegedly employed a graphic designer to help doctor fake statements. At one point in 2019, AlHusseini claimed to have $86 million in a Fidelity account. In reality, the balance was $4,390.10, according to the criminal complaint. AlHusseini received a payment of approximately $6.3 million for being a guarantor for one of the loans and admitted to receiving $12.3 million in payments from the scheme, according to the criminal complaints. 'We will continue to ensure that markets and businesses receive an honest and level playing field in which to operate,' McNally said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles Times
06-03-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
California anti-poverty activist accused of defrauding investors out of more than $145 million
It seemed like the realization of the American dream: A man rose from poverty to attend Harvard University, find success on Wall Street, co-found an eco-friendly financial and sustainability company and even flirt with a presidential bid. But this week Joseph Sanberg, who made his fortune investing early in companies like Blue Apron, was taken into custody for his alleged role in bilking investors out of at least $145 million. Sanberg, 45, of Orange, was arrested Monday, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The official court record is sealed, but in a statement authorities alleged he conspired to defraud two investor funds. Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration Partners Inc., appeared in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana on Monday. He did not enter a plea and was released on $200,000 bail, records show. He's due back for arraignment March 28. The Times was unable to locate an attorney for Sanberg. A call to a number listed for him was not returned. Over the years, Sanberg has drawn headlines for his anti-poverty activism — including pushing to establish a California version of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, which he benefited from as a child. Sanberg also founded a nonprofit, seeded with $3.5 million of his own money and six-figure contributions from donors such as the Annenberg Foundation, the Streisand Foundation and civil rights attorney Molly Munger, to launch an advertising campaign to make sure those eligible for the money received it. He also spearheaded Proposition 32, a failed 2024 ballot measure that would have raised California's minimum wage. In 2019, Sanberg considered running for the Democratic presidential nomination, but ultimately opted against it. The Justice Department this week announced that a man it identified as a co-conspirator — Ibrahim Ameen AlHusseini, 51 — had pleaded guilty to wire fraud for falsifying documents that aided in the alleged scheme. The Venice resident is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 29. AlHusseini could spend up to 20 years in prison with financial penalties totaling at least $250,000, authorities say. AlHusseini's attorney declined to comment on the case. AlHusseini was initially arrested in October on suspicion of securities fraud, according to the criminal complaint. That charge was dismissed with prejudice 'to facilitate his cooperation,' the Justice Department said. 'Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners have worked methodically to secure a guilty plea from one of the main offenders in this case,' Acting U.S. Atty. Joseph McNally said in a statement. Prosecutors allege Sanberg used a variety of individuals, led by AlHusseini, and fraudulent paperwork to commit wire fraud against two investor funds. He is accused of negotiating a $55-million loan from one fund, pledging shares of his company as collateral. To secure the loan, authorities allege Sanberg recruited AlHusseini, a member of Aspiration Partners' board of directors, to back the deal, even though he knew AlHusseini did not have the necessary assets. Court documents allege the pair furnished falsified documents that artificially inflated AlHusseini's assets. After securing that loan, authorities allege Sanberg refinanced it in 2021. This time, a second investor fund lent him $145 million and again, authorities say, Sanberg and AlHusseini provided falsified documents to secure it. According to the criminal complaint, Sanberg deftly coached AlHusseini on how to speak to investors to allay any concerns. He allegedly told an investment advisor that he would call off a deal if that individual were to try to independently verify the veracity of his and AlHusseini's financial claims, the complaint says. Sanberg defaulted on that loan in November 2022 and again the following spring, authorities say. The loans were supposed to be backed by AlHusseini. However, he did not have that much money — having produced falsified brokerage and bank statements that inflated his financial assets, according to authorities. The duo also allegedly employed a graphic designer to help doctor fake statements. At one point in 2019, AlHusseini claimed to have $86 million in a Fidelity account. In reality, the balance was $4,390.10, according to the criminal complaint. AlHusseini received a payment of approximately $6.3 million for being a guarantor for one of the loans and admitted to receiving $12.3 million in payments from the scheme, according to the criminal complaints. 'We will continue to ensure that markets and businesses receive an honest and level playing field in which to operate,' McNally said.
