SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (WNAX) – The State of South Dakota got over one billion dollars from the federal government to pay for coronavirus related costs.

Governor Kristi Noem and legislators are working on Congress to give the state more latitude in spending it.

Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says the state could get by this year with that allocation.

Nesiba, a member of the Joint Appropriations Committee, says if Congress doesn’t allow broader use of the money there could be some tough decisions.

Nesiba says sales taxes depend on consumer spending, which is where the federal money can help.

Members of Congress have been hesitant in allowing states to use the coronavirus money to replace lost tax revenue.