Dear Neighbors,
As the winter chill settles in, I hope you're all staying warm and cozy. A quick reminder that Minnesota’s “cold weather rule” is now in effect, which protects residents from having electric or natural gas service shut off between October 1 and 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. Although Minnesota has very cold winters, it’s never had a statewide law requiring landlords to maintain a minimum temperature for rental units. That changed during last year’s legislative session after the DFL took action to protect renters.
Minnesota landlords are required to keep rental units at a minimum of 68 degrees from October to April if the tenant does not control the thermostat. We are committed to making sure everyone stays warm, healthy, and safe all winter long.
More information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce’s website here.
2025-2026 Committee Assignments
I am excited to share that for the 2025-2026 biennium, I've been assigned to serve on the House Labor and Workforce Development and Energy committees. I am also honored to be appointed as the DFL Vice Chair of the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law committee.
I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to build a stronger Minnesota by empowering the middle class and investing in our communities. Together, we can create an economy that works for everyone, with policies that support good-paying jobs, affordable healthcare, access to quality early care and education, and a robust social safety net for our most vulnerable Minnesotans.
Banning Forever Chemicals
During the 2023 and 2024 sessions, we passed legislation to ban harmful forever chemicals known as PFAS from consumer goods in Minnesota, especially in products our kids come into contact with every day. As of January 1, 2025, these laws will go into effect and require new products sold or distributed in 11 categories be made without PFAS. Categories include:
- carpets or rugs, including outdoor carpet and car floor mats
- cleaning products, including detergents and stain removers
- cookware
- cosmetics
- dental floss
- fabric treatments
- juvenile products, including car seats, children’s clothing, and toys for children under 12
- menstruation products, including tampons and disposable and reusable pads
- ski wax
- textile furnishings, including draperies, bedding, and towels
- upholstered furniture
Make sure to refresh vital items like cosmetics and menstrual products after the new year to ensure that you and your family are saying no to PFAS!
New Renter’s Credit Coming in 2025
Starting this upcoming tax filing season, renters eligible for a property tax refund will now claim the new Renter’s Credit on their Minnesota Individual Income Tax return. To claim the Renter’s Credit, renters must file a state income tax return (Form M1). For most renters claiming a property tax refund, this means they will no longer file a separate Property Tax Refund return and will not receive a separate refund later in the year. The Renter’s Credit will be part of their income tax refund amount, be applied to the amount owed on their income tax return or be applied to other debts referred to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
This change does not affect homeowners. Homeowners will continue to use Form M1PR to file a Property Tax Refund return to receive the Homestead Credit Refund. Homeowners may be able to file for free using the Property Tax Refund Online Filing System.
When filing their tax year 2024 taxes in 2025, renters will use the new Schedule M1RENT, Renter’s Credit, along with Schedule M1REF, Refundable Credits, when they file with their individual income tax return to receive the Renter’s Credit. Renters should include their Certificate of Rent Paid document they receive from their property owner or managing agent when filing.
Learn more about the new Renter’s Credit here.
Keep in Touch
I deeply value your partnership in building a better future. Please continue to share your perspectives on the issues that impact our community. If you need assistance, schedule a meeting or community event, or have questions, you can reach me at rep.cedrick.frazier@house.mn.gov or 651-296-4255. You can also follow my official Facebook page and the People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus page.
Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season,
Rep. Cedrick Frazier
Minnesota House of Representatives
Legislative Assistant: Jack Dockendorf
Phone: 651-296-9552
Email: Jack.Dockendorf@house.mn.gov