PHOENIX – Attorney General Kris Mayes released a statement following the passage of the state budget, expressing concern over the handling of opioid settlement funds.
"I am extremely disappointed our Democratic Governor, along with GOP leadership at our State Legislature, would put our $1.14 billion, 18-year opioid One Arizona Agreement at risk by attempting to sweep opioid funds to backfill budget deficits caused by GOP policies," said Mayes. "Though I repeatedly warned them this is an unlawful use of these funds, they proceeded with moving forward anyway."
Mayes emphasized her commitment to protecting these funds: "I have stated publicly and very clearly that I refuse to release these funds in this way as it would violate the agreement, and I stand by those words today. This is an egregious grab. I will do everything in my power to protect these opioid settlement funds for all Arizonans."
She recounted the origins of the crisis: "A number of pharmaceutical companies grossly misrepresented the dangers and addictiveness of their drugs – opioids – to blatantly enrich themselves. They created marketing ploys, pushed prescriptions and caused death and chaos." She noted that this epidemic has claimed over a million American lives.
Arizona has been severely impacted by the crisis, with more than 11,500 opioid overdose deaths since 2017 and over 98,000 emergency room visits for suspected drug overdoses since 2020.
The One Arizona Agreement aims to distribute $1.14 billion in opioid settlement funds over 18 years. The state receives 44% ($502 million) while counties receive 56% ($639 million). These funds are intended for prevention, education, and treatment within communities.
"There has been national scrutiny and attention on how these monies are being spent," said Mayes. She acknowledged her predecessor's efforts in crafting clear guidelines for disbursement and transparency.
Mayes concluded with a call for unity: "I look forward to the day when we can put politics and power plays aside to better protect public health... Until then, I will continue to do what I was elected to do – be the lawyer for the people of our great state and protect these opioid settlement funds that too many people lost their lives for."