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Health & Fitness

Cold Temps Prompt Lawmaker to Propose New Official Start Date for Spring

Instead of waiting to officially start spring on March 21st, State Rep. Joe Atkins of Minnesota will introduce legislation on Monday to officially change the start of spring to February 1st. 

“Something has to be done to tackle these cold temperatures,” said Atkins.  “With lows expected on Monday in the -20’s and -30’s across Minnesota and wind chills in the -50’s, it is time for us to just say no to cold.”

Atkins cited global support for his proposal:

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 - Ireland starts spring on February 1, and a lot of Minnesota families trace their roots back to Ireland, including Atkins’s wife.

 - Countries in the southern hemisphere – every single one – starts spring on a different date than Minnesota, so there is plenty of precedent for a different official spring start date.

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 - When Pope Gregory XIII settled on March 21 as the official start date for spring back in the 16th century, there is no record of him consulting any Minnesota elected officials or meteorologists, not even Paul Douglas.

“I guarantee this proposal will heat things up here in Minnesota,” said Atkins, “And I’m just as confident about that as any meteorologist on TV.”

** Yes, I'm kidding.  But now that I have your attention, please take every precaution tonight and in the coming couple days to stay safe and help others.  While we joke about the cold here in Minnesota, this cold snap is expected to be one of the worst in state history and requires us to do what Minnesotans always do - step up and and be willing to lend a hand to those in need.  Take care, stay warm, and be safe. **




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