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. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Opioid Crisis
- Baldwin Backed Legislation to Crack Down on Fentanyl Traffickers Heads to President’s Desk - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Apr 24th, 2024
- Legislature Stalls Opioid Settlement Funds. Again - Erik Gunn - Apr 23rd, 2024
- Milwaukee Bucks Legend Marques Johnson Joins Forces with Serenity Inns to Combat Opioid Epidemic in Milwaukee - Serenity Inns - Apr 23rd, 2024
- Law Enforcement Agencies Awarded Grants from State Opioid Settlement Funds - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Apr 18th, 2024
- MKE County: County Wins Award for Opioid Settlement Fund Usage - Graham Kilmer - Apr 4th, 2024
- MKE County: County Offering $2.8 Million For Opioid Addiction Programs - Graham Kilmer - Mar 28th, 2024
- Senator Baldwin Calls on House to Pass Bill that Cracks Down on Fentanyl Traffickers - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Feb 15th, 2024
- Attorney General Josh Kaul announces $350 million settlement with marketing firm over its role in opioid epidemic - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Feb 1st, 2024
- Grants Will Fund Recovery Housing For Those Facing Homelessness and Battling Opioids - Margaret Faust - Jan 12th, 2024
- Baldwin Helps Advance Bipartisan Bill to Address Opioid and Fentanyl Crisis - U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin - Dec 14th, 2023
Read more about Opioid Crisis here
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by County Board Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson
