Gov. Phil Murphy says much of the $1.8 billion earmarked for New Jersey under recent federal COVID-19 relief legislation is likely “unusable” and could have to be returned to the U.S. Treasury.

Gov. Phil Murphy says much of the $1.8 billion earmarked for New Jersey under recent federal COVID-19 relief legislation is likely “unusable” and could have to be returned to the U.S. Treasury.

According to the Treasury Department guidance, the funding from the CARES Act signed by President Donald Trump last month could be used only for coronavirus-related expenses, and not be used to pay for things from last year’s budget.

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It also means the state can't use the relief funds for teachers and first responders.

Gov. Murphy says the state needs greater flexibility and also called for more direct cash payments from the federal government.

"Sadly, the message from Washington to our first responders and educators and others on the frontlines is clear," says Gov. Murphy. "As you work tirelessly during this pandemic to keep people safe, our national leadership thinks you are not essential and that you should fear for your jobs."

It’s unclear how much the state has spent on COVID-19 response.