PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The annual debate over dropping the sales tax on food in South Dakota ended in the Senate Taxation Committee Wednesday.

Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls, the prime sponsor, said the money is there to sustain dropping the four and a half cent state tax on groceries.

Presentation Sister Lynn Marie Welbig supports the bill, saying they see the need to help people pay for food every month.

Senator Joshua Klumb of Mitchell says the food tax is a necessary part of a broad tax base.

The bill was sent to the forty first day, effectively killing it, on a vote of five to two.