MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — South Dakota lawmakers are weighing how quickly to deploy millions of dollars in opioid settlement funds as the state continues to confront an escalating opioid crisis. Members of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee heard differing perspectives Tuesday from state leaders on how soon the money should be released.

Department of Social Services Secretary Matt Althoff urged lawmakers to take a deliberate approach, emphasizing the need for long-term, sustainable programs rather than quick spending.

“We really want to build sustainable gap fillers,” Althoff said. “We don’t want to just plug slots and throw money at a problem just because somebody can articulate a compelling grant application. We really want to test that, kick the tires, make sure they actually have a business plan that is going to be sustainable.”

Attorney General Marty Jackley agreed with the importance of accountability but said the state must also act with urgency.

“I’m affected in my job as Attorney General because of the mothers that I talk to that have lost a daughter, because of the chiefs and sheriffs and what we’re seeing,” Jackley said. “So my approach would be to push these dollars out.”

Lawmakers on the committee said they hope to begin putting portions of the settlement money to work as early as the first part of next year.