Within less than one month of being in office, Governor Bruce Rauner took drastic measures to balance the Illinois state budget and increase his staff salaries by cutting funding to youth services and childcare directly impacting underserved communities and youth of color. 

Donda's House Inc., a non-profit organization located in Chicago, IL dedicated to providing premium arts instruction, was directly impacted by this budget cut and is now forced to raise funds to continue our program. Our organization's namesake is Dr. Donda West, the mother of award winning artist, Kanye West. Her legacy in education has continued with Donda's House as we prepare the next generation of artists to share their truth. Dr. West pushed the artists that she interacted with to "Share Your Truth", which continues to be our organizations motto. We are based on the South Side of Chicago and provide a safe space for our students to exist and express themselves. We provide the opportunity to develop our students not only as artists but also as change agents within their communities.

We will not turn our backs on our kids. We will not allow them to be robbed of opportunities that they rightfully deserve based on circumstances in which they do not control. We will not sit back and not hold elected officials accountable. 

This petition was started to highlight the real victims of the budget cuts by showcasing the work and results of the organizations impacted, request funding protections for non-profit programs moving forward in the form of implemented policy, and establish a formal communication workflow between government officials and funded agencies for increased transparency. 

Specifically, we are advocating for the following: 

Funding - Restore funding for youth programs impacted by the budget cut immediately 

• $132 Million in proposed cuts to Human Services including mental health division, early intervention, alcohol and substance abuse programs.
• Approximately $8 million in cuts to Out of School Program Providers and Youth Employment Programs

Dialogue - Increase transparency and communication when budget cuts are proposed between the State and the agencies impacted by the proposed cut.

• The agencies impacted were not notified of this budget cut prior to it being enacted and had to immediately figure out how to raise funds or be forced to close their doors to the families in need of childcare and youth programs 
• Requesting a minimum of three months lead time to formally communicate potential budget changes or cuts impacting agencies 
• Outline where funds are being reallocated when budget cuts are proposed 

Protection - Implement policy to protect funding for youth organizations committed to providing safe spaces and opportunities for youth - particularly youth who live in low-income households and high-crime communities.

• Access to arts and developmental programs are consistently being impacted by budget cuts particularly in communities of color.
• Governor Rauner stated, “This budget is honest with the people of Illinois, and it presents an honest path forward." The honest path should assist all people of Illinois and not push them on a path backwards. The "turnaround" budget puts us on a path in the wrong direction. A direction not focused on education, healthcare, or the wellbeing of all Illinois constituents. 

To help, you can sign this petition highlighting your stance in solidarity with us. We will make sure that our voice is heard and our truth is shared. This budget cut is not just an Illinois issue; we must protect access to arts education and hold all officials accountable. Please share how the arts and access to developmental programs in your community has helped you or those you love and we will make sure our elected officials get the message. 

Additionally, you can donate to the heART Matters campaign on IndieGoGo to help Donda's House continue its mission of providing access to premium arts instruction to youth. 

We don't make excuses. We make impact. Sorry Governor Rauner, but NOT in our House. 

Sincerely, 

The Donda's House Family and Community-at-Large