Texas opioid settlements are expected to surpass a billion dollars

The week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune.

By Alexandra Hart & Wells DunbarOctober 29, 2021 6:54 am, , , ,

Texas has reached a $290 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over its role in the opioid crisis, the Texas Tribune’s Matthew Watkins says.

“Texas sued Johnson & Johnson individually, receiving the award,” Watkins tells Texas Standard. While the funds will go towards opiate recovery and use prevention efforts, “it remains to be seen exactly how that money will be spent over the years,” he says.

It’s not the only opioid case the state is involved in either. Watkins notes Texas is also slated to receive over $1 billion due to lawsuits against other opioid makers and distributors, as part of a multi-state lawsuit.

Listen in the audio player above for more on the Johnson and Johnson settlement. You can also hear other stories from the week in Texas politics, including a Republican state lawmaker’s investigation into school books on race and sexuality and more.

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