County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson Applauds National Settlement in Opioids Lawsuits
MILWAUKEE – On Wednesday afternoon a group of state attorneys general announced tentative plans for a massive, $26 billion agreement that would settle thousands of state and local government lawsuits stemming from the opioid epidemic. Milwaukee County could receive millions of dollars if the settlement is agreed to by enough of the states involved.
County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson release the following statement upon the news of the tentative agreement:
“Milwaukee County has suffered a heavy burden from the opioid epidemic – not only in terms of hundreds of lost lives, devastated families, and many people currently suffering from addiction, but also in terms of the financial costs associated with providing treatment and other public services.
“While those responsible for the opioid epidemic will escape having to take personal responsibility, the financial settlement provides an opportunity for Milwaukee County to recover some of the costs borne by the office of the medical examiner, human services, the court system, and law enforcement.
“I’m tremendously appreciative of the great legal minds who led this effort for the people of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee County Corporation Counsel Margaret Daun, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, and also Governor Tony Evers, who presciently signed into a law a measure that will ensure every Wisconsin County receives their fair share of the settlement.
“This is a win for Milwaukee County, but the opioid epidemic rages on. Milwaukee County will continue to do everything we can to provide support to those who need it.”
States involved in the combined lawsuits have 30 days to decide whether to participate in the settlement. If enough states agree, then counties and cities have a chance to accept the terms.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Opioid Crisis
- Menominee Tribe Has 70% Decline in Overdose Deaths, Hospitalizations - Joe Schulz - Nov 27th, 2024
- Serenity Inns: A Proven Lifesaving Facility Denied Critical State Funding - Serenity Inns - Nov 19th, 2024
- Milwaukee County Outreach Team Going Door-to-Door Handing Out Narcan in High Overdose Areas - Evan Casey - Nov 14th, 2024
- DHS Launches New System to Help Communities Track and Respond to Overdose - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Nov 14th, 2024
- Attorney General Kaul and Bipartisan Coalition of 30 States Announce Settlement with Kroger Over Opioid Crisis - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Nov 6th, 2024
- Baldwin Calls on Biden Administration to Investigate China’s Role in Fueling the Fentanyl Crisis - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Oct 23rd, 2024
- Baldwin Brings Home $750,000 for Northeastern Wisconsin to Combat Fentanyl and Opioid Epidemic - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Sep 27th, 2024
- AG Kaul Meets with EMS Leave Behind Program Recipients - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Sep 17th, 2024
- MKE County: Crowley Signs Opioid Program Funding - Graham Kilmer - Sep 10th, 2024
- Serenity Inns Opens New Addiction Treatment Center in Milwaukee - Serenity Inns - Aug 14th, 2024
Read more about Opioid Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson
