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Tennessee Governor Touts $30M Plan to Fight Opioid Epidemic

Somsak Sudthangtum, 123rf Stock Photo

Gov. Bill Haslam is touting a $30 million plan that focuses on prevention, treatment and law enforcement to attack an opioid epidemic that kills at least three people a day in Tennessee.

The Republican released details in a news conference Monday alongside Senate Speaker Randy McNally, House Speaker Beth Harwell, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins and others.

Treatment and recovery services would get $25 million more through state and federal money.

People would be limited to a five-day supply on initial prescriptions with a daily dosage limit, which would also affect TennCare recipients.

Prevention education would increase in elementary and secondary schools.

The proposal would add opioid-focused Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agents.

Democratic lawmakers said the proposal isn't enough without Medicaid expansion.

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