Legislative action could help $2.7 million get to work fighting the state’s opioid epidemic as soon as possible.
HF4601, sponsored by Rep. Erin Koegel (DFL-Spring Lake Park), would make one-time grant funding from the state’s opiate epidemic response account – created in last year’s opioids law – available for fiscal year 2021.
The House Health and Human Services Finance Division approved the bill and sent it to the House Ways and Means Committee. There is no Senate companion
“We wanted to make sure that we were getting the funding out,” Koegel said.
Funded by registration fees on opiate manufacturers and license fees on drug manufacturers and wholesalers, the grants are meant to be determined by the Opiate Epidemic Response Advisory Council.
But, because of the immediacy of the need and timing constraints, the council wants this initial round of grant funding to go through the Legislature to organizations that have already received approval from the Department of Human Services.
“These organizations … are in the pipeline doing good work already,” said Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar), who sits on the council with Koegel.
It will probably be the only time that the council will request direct appropriations to be handled in this way, and is not intended to set a precedent, he said.
Funds would be used to distribute naloxone kits, provide training, support ECHO hubs, expand care, and address disparities.
Organizations that would receive funding include: