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30%

Average amount of the 1998 tobacco settlement, worth $246 billion, that states spent on health care. Nearly as much -- 23 percent -- went to cover budget deficits. Settlements from opioid companies, sued for their role in the opioid crisis, are starting to roll in.

Average amount of the 1998 tobacco settlement, worth $246 billion, that states spent on health care. Nearly as much -- 23 percent -- went to cover budget deficits. Settlements from opioid companies, sued for their role in the opioid crisis, are starting to roll in. 

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.