Jerry Knowles and Will Tallman–It's a Tie

In the contest to see who could introduce the dumbest piece of legislation into the Pennsylvania legislature, judges today pronounced a tie between House member Will Tallman (R, Adams Co.). and House member Jerry Knowles (R, Schuylkill Co. and a portion of Carbon.)

Tallman’s bill, which he entitled “Teacher Code of Ethics,” would forbid high school teachers from discussing enacted or pending legislation, regulations, executive orders, or court cases involving any branches of government, nor could they discuss any activities that “hamper or impede” law enforcement actions or military recruiters on campus.  The bill would include all social studies teachers.  

Knowles’ bill would kill all state funding for Philadelphia if the city implements its plan to set up places where addicts could get shots with clean needles.  Last year an estimated 1200 people died in Philadelphia from drug overdoses.  Knowles also criticized Philadelphia for being a “sanctuary city.”

Tallman is retiring this year.  Knowles, who is also in the running for “least intelligent Pennsylvania House member,” has no opponent in the November election, a sad commentary on American democracy.