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
- Serenity Inns Opens New Addiction Treatment Center in Milwaukee - Serenity Inns - Aug 14th, 2024
- MKE County: County Nearly Doubles Narcan Vending Machines - Graham Kilmer - Aug 12th, 2024
- Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley Announces Placement of Eight Additional Harm Reduction Vending Machines - County Executive David Crowley - Aug 12th, 2024
- Milwaukee’s Native Community Faces Surge in Opioid Deaths - Trisha Young - Jul 8th, 2024
- MKE County: County Awards $2.8 Million To Non-Profit Opioid Programs - Graham Kilmer - Jul 2nd, 2024
- MKE County: County To Get $3 Million From Kroger In Opioid Settlement - Graham Kilmer - Jul 1st, 2024
- Court Decision Holds Up Wisconsin’s $70 Million Drug Settlement - Sarah Lehr - Jul 1st, 2024
- MKE County: Opioid Settlement Will Fund 7 New, Expanded Abatement Efforts - Graham Kilmer - Jun 28th, 2024
- Legislators Agree on Opioid Plan, Still Withhold PFAS, Hospital Funds - Erik Gunn - May 8th, 2024
- Baldwin Announces Over $17.7 Million to Tackle Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis in Wisconsin - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - May 7th, 2024
Read more about Opioid Crisis here