SD lawmakers still determining what to do with the federal dollars ahead of Governor Noem’s budget speech

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Several panels of legislators have held hearings on how and where to spend almost one billion dollars of federal funding.

Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says they had another quick overview at the last meeting of the Covid Relief Liaison Committee.

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Hunhoff says the “Build Back Better” bill that is being debated in Congress could potentially send more millions to the state.

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Hunhoff says most of the money should go to one time projects or spending.

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Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says there is agreement on some priorities.

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Nesiba, a member of the Joint Committee on Appropriations, says he would like to see some of those funds focused on conservation.

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There is some concern there will be a fiscal cliff when the federal Covid related payments end. Nesiba says they have had some talks about that.

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Governor Kristi Noem will deliver her budget address to the legislature on Tuesday.