Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel testified before the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday morning in support of bills that address disbursement and oversight of the state’s portion of the historic opioid settlement, which will bring millions in abatement aid to Michigan.
“On a personal note, I have spent the past couple 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,” Nessel said. “Time is not on our side when it comes to Michigan’s opioid epidemic. The sooner this legislation is passed, the quicker settlement dollars can be used helping our residents and our communities. I urge you to advance this package through committee and to the floor for a vote.”
Michigan’s settlement totals approximately $776 million. Half of the total will be paid directly to eligible local governments and the other half will go to the State.
April was initially the target for first payments from the settlement, but the Department was since notified the payments will more than likely begin in late spring or summer instead.
Nessel’s testimony, and the entire hearing, will ultimately be archived on House TV (www.house.mi.gov/VideoArchive).
