PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Joint Committee on Appropriations held several days of budget hearings last week, ahead of the opening of this year’s legislative session.

Committee Co-Chair, Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton, says the sessions were useful.

Hunhoff says they got a better idea of state agency priorities.

Hunhoff says they want more justification for starting new programs.

Committee member, Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls, says they need the extra time due to all the extra money flowing their way.

Nesiba says they will also have to sign off on spending hundreds of millions of federal dollars.

Nesiba says there will be differences of opinions on how to spend the money.

The session officially starts at noon Tuesday.