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Dear Neighbors,
The cold snap came just in time for The World Snow Sculpting Championships which took place in Stillwater over the week. It was incredible seeing these works of art right in our backyard. It’s gonna warm up soon so be sure to stop by and visit before these masterpieces melt!
 Crime Down Across MN, New Gun Laws
New data shows that crime has dropped across Minnesota in every major category. As we move past a pandemic era spike I will continue to support laws and funding that improve public safety, like last year when I voted for record funding in law enforcement and community intervention strategies.
Gun violence remains too high, however there are two new laws that went into effect this month that will help. The laws will implement improved criminal background checks and extreme risk protection orders to ensure that guns stay out of the hands of those who would cause harm. I look forward to supporting future gun safety efforts this upcoming session.
 Cold Weather Rule
As cold weather sets in, I want to share a quick reminder that Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having their electric or natural gas service shut off until April 30.
To ensure your service is safe from disconnection, you must make and keep a payment plan that you and your utility provider agree on. More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website.
I also want to share an important new note for renters. Last year, the DFL-led trifecta passed new tenant protection laws, one of which being a guaranteed minimum temperature. Landlords are now required to maintain a minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit in rental units. This essential provision protects tenants from dangerous and uncomfortable living conditions during our harsh winters.
Free COVID Tests
With COVID cases on the rise, here’s a quick reminder that you can now order up to four free rapid-antigen COVID tests through the federal government’s at-home testing program to be delivered directly to your home. These tests are intended to be used by the end of this year. For more information or to place your order, you can visit COVIDTests.gov.
Stay in Touch
Please feel free to reach out to me by email at rep.josiah.hill@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-4124. If you have a friend, neighbor, or relative who wants to receive updates about the Legislature, let them know they can subscribe to my email list here, and follow my Facebook here. It’s an honor to represent our community. Please stay in touch!
Sincerely,
Josiah Hill, District 33B
415 State Office Building
St. Paul, MN 55155
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