I learn from my mistakes.

In 2000, when a settlement was looming in the lawsuit brought by the states against the tobacco industry, I introduced a bill creating a separate fund for the monetary damages Maryland would receive.

My legislation required that the money be spent to address the harms caused by smoking, most importantly persuading teenagers not to start smoking and helping adults stop smoking.

We also allowed the fund to be used for Medicaid costs related to smoking.

That was a mistake.

Far too much of the money has gone to Medicaid.

Maryland recently entered into a contract with three law firms to sue the pharmaceutical industry to recover damages for the harm caused by opioids.

House Bill 1274 was heard today in the Appropriations Committee.

It would create a fund to improve access to Naloxone, organize primary and secondary education campaigns to prevent opioid use, and expand access to crisis beds and residential treatment services, among other uses.

None of the money would go to Medicaid.