- A judge intervened to halt the transfer of $115 million from Arizona’s share of the national opioid settlement, which lawmakers had recently approved to help offset a significant budget deficit of nearly $1.4 billion. Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a lawsuit arguing that the transfer violated the settlement’s terms, which designated the funds for opioid abatement, not general state budgetary needs. The settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors will provide Arizona with $1.14 billion over 18 years, with stipulations that the funds be used as directed by attorneys general. Mayes contended that diverting the funds for budget balancing could jeopardize future settlement payments and harm efforts to address the opioid crisis. The court’s temporary restraining order will remain in effect until July 5, pending further hearings to address the lawsuit’s merits. (Article here)
July 16, 2024
Opioid/Substance Use Disorders | Tea Leaves