On June 30, 2025, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin expressed disappointment over a legislative proposal to allocate $45 million from opioid settlement funds to hospital systems for unspecified uses. Platkin emphasized the hard-fought nature of these funds, which were secured through lawsuits against companies that profited from the opioid crisis in New Jersey.
Platkin stated, “Last night, I learned — to my great disappointment — that the budget the Legislature is considering would deplete our hard-won opioid settlement dollars by sending $45 million to hospital systems for uses that have not been identified.” He underscored his commitment alongside Governor Murphy to use these funds for evidence-based solutions to aid those struggling with addiction, warning against repeating past mistakes made with tobacco settlement funds.
The New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council recently released a strategic plan for utilizing these funds, which Platkin noted was being ignored by the proposed appropriation. He remarked, “I take no position on whether the hospitals should receive funds, but these settlement funds are not general revenues for the State.”
Platkin urged lawmakers and Governor Murphy to reject this proposal and ensure that the funds serve their intended purpose: supporting individuals in New Jersey dealing with addiction. He concluded with a warning: “Rest assured, if they do not, my office will be carefully scrutinizing these hospital systems to make sure every single dollar is spent within the terms of the settlements we fought for years to obtain.”
