Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of legislation investing $800 million dollars in treatment, prevention, mental health in response to the Opioid Crisis. Together, Senate Bills 993, 994, and 995 manage the disbursement of settlement funds as a result of opioid-related lawsuits and create the Opioid Advisory Commission to advance policy to prevent, treat, and support those with opioid use disorder.
"The opioid crisis touches families across our state, which is why it's so crucial to ensure that Michiganders facing substance use issues have the support and resources they need to get better," said Whitmer. "The legislation I signed today will be instrumental in preventing more deaths and will provide Michigan families impacted by the devastating opioid epidemic with some semblance of relief. These funds will bring millions of dollars to support our neighbors, family, and friends in treatment and recovery. I will continue to work with anyone who wants to help those who are struggling."
"Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan's opioid epidemic, so I applaud the bipartisan support that got these bills across the finish line and to Gov. Whitmer's desk," said Attorney General Dana Nessel. "I have spent the past couple of months visiting communities and organizations around Michigan to learn more about the work being done to prevent and treat Opioid Use Disorder, and while local governments will receive direct payments, the timely deployment of state settlement dollars is crucial in the fight against opioids in our communities. This puts us a step closer to getting the proper infrastructure in place to ensure settlement dollars can be used quickly and save as many lives as possible."
"The opioid epidemic has been, and continues to be, devastating. While no amount of money from these lawsuits and settlements can bring back a lost loved one, it may help provide the funds needed to expand our efforts in combatting it," said Sen. Betty Jean Alexander, D-Detroit. "The simple fact is, there is not enough support out there to help the thousands of people affected by opioid use disorder and opioid addiction. Senate Bill 995 being signed into law is essential not only to get all the money due to the state but is also a symbolic step forward by the Legislature to recognize and actively address the severity of this widespread crisis."
"As a lead House sponsor on the Opioid Settlement package, it was an honor to work with Governor Whitmer, Attorney General Nessel, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to bring unprecedented resources for opioid recovery and healing to our state," said Rep. Christine Morse, D-Texas Twp.
Senate Bill 993 creates the Michigan Opioid Healing and Recovery Fund in the Department of the Treasury.
Senate Bill 994 creates the Opioid Advisory Commission, which would review initiatives related to education, prevention, treatment, and services for individuals and families affected by substance abuse disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Senate Bill 995 creates a threshold for certain civil actions related to opioids. Enacting the bill would allow the State and local governments that have settled to receive full incentives under the settlement payment plans.
More information about the historic opioid settlements can be found through the Department of Attorney General's website at https://www.michigan.gov/ag/initiatives/opioids. Payments are expected to begin sometime this summer. The Department of Attorney General will release additional information when the payments begin.
Categories: Michigan, Government & Policy