Chance The Rapper Gives Chicago’s Public Schools $1 Million After Government Cuts School Funding

Chance the Rapper decided to address the funding issues being faced by the Chicago Public School (CPS) system by donating $1 Million for arts and enrichment programming. He announced this after he met with Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner a few days ago. Chance the Rapper, who is Chancelor Johnathan Bennett in real life, grew up in Chicago, Illinois.

Chance previously posted on Twitter that he would present a plan to solve the CPS problems. He changed his mind and opted to launch a fund raising campaign instead, since proposing policies was not his job. The rapper criticized the governor for giving him vague answers during their meeting and for requiring ultimatums and conditions before committing to giving more funds for Chicago's kids.

"As a CPS graduate, Chance has shown Chicago students not only the heights they can achieve but the generosity they can share," school district spokesperson Emily Bittner said. "We also appreciate his strong advocacy for Chicago schoolchildren, who suffer under the state's discriminatory system of funding, which Gov. Rauner continues to perpetuate."

The $1 million donation will come from the rapper's upcoming tour ticket sales, according to Chicago Tribune. Chance also announced the donation of $10,000 to individual city schools in the district to help CPS with its budget problems.

Rauner earlier vetoed a bill that would have improved funding for the Chicago Public School Teachers' Pension & Retirement Fund, as per Pensions & Investments. Rauner refused to approve the additional funds unless Democratic leaders pass a comprehension reform for the pension fund. Senate President John Cullerton urged Rauner to sign the bill, even as he denied there was a reform agreement.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama praised Chance's decision to provide additional funding for the CPS through his donation, Time reported. In a tweet, Obama said Chance was an example of the arts education's power. Chance's announcement also elicited a positive response among social media users.