(CNN) South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Thursday bemoaned Congress' restrictions on coronavirus relief funds allocated to the state, claiming "they tied our hands" to spend in areas that "aren't really necessary."

"Congress did send South Dakota $1.25 billion to us, but they tied our hands on how we can spend it. The only way I can spend this money is on Covid relief. I can't spend it to replace revenues," she said at a news conference.

"I can't spend it to make up some of the difference that we're seeing from our economy stalling and people not out shopping and participating in adding some sales tax revenue to our state budget or to our local city and local government budgets as well."

Her comments come on the heels of a stunning surge of coronavirus cases in South Dakota. Noem, a Republican, has faced criticism for refusing to issue a mandatory stay-at-home order, even following an outbreak at a major pork processing plant in the state.

Still, her calls for the state's federal relief funds to be allowed "to replace revenue loss" instead of funding "a bunch of new government programs" echo a growing desire among some Republicans to put an increased focus on halting more economic losses from the pandemic.

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