House Republicans in their state budget outline released Thursday do not make any definite commitments on money to address economic disparities in Minnesota’s communities of color. Saint Cloud Representative Jim Knoblach , who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, says there’s a possibility of some funding, but Republicans believe school choice is very important. Knoblach says, “If we can see some sort of substantial progress on school choice that would help poor and minority children have the same opportunities that other people have, well then we’re open to negotiation.” House Democratic Minority Leader Paul Thissen (TEE-sen) responds state dollars are needed. He argues the achievement gap between whites and Minnesotans of color is really a “lack-of-investment gap.” Governor Mark Dayton is asking the legislature for 100 million dollars to address the situation.