AG Tong Seeks To Ensure $26B Opioid Settlement Saves Lives

Press release from the Attorney General's Office:

Aug. 4, 2021

In response to a July 22 inquiry from legislators, Attorney General William Tong outlined provisions in the $26 billion agreements with pharmaceutical distributors Cardinal, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen and manufacturer Johnson & Johnson to ensure funds are spent to save lives and fight the opioid epidemic.

If approved, Connecticut would receive approximately $300 million to fight the opioid epidemic over 18 years. Of the $300 million allocation, language in the settlement agreement explicitly states that no less than 85 percent will be used exclusively for “Opioid Remediation.” Those terms are further outlined in the settlement in an extensive list of strategies including but not limited to funding Naloxone, medication-assisted treatment, prevention programs, education, training, and research.

While the settlement agreements set explicit guidelines for the use of the settlement funds, any final decision on spending is the responsibility of legislators and the Governor. Attorney General Tong through his letter urges legislators to hold hearings and engage with stakeholders to ensure the funds are safeguarded and put to best use.

“This settlement will bring billions of dollars into communities across the country to fight the opioid epidemic. Roads, bridges, and pension obligations are all critical state expenditures, but that is not what this settlement is for. There is language built into the agreement itself to protect these funds and ensure that they are used almost entirely for the treatment, prevention, and recovery programs we desperately need to save lives and control this crisis,” said Attorney General Tong.

Click here to view the letter.

This press release was produced by the Attorney General's Office. The views expressed here are the author's own.