California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer has unveiled an ambitious proposal: guaranteeing jobs with benefits for workers displaced by artificial intelligence (AI). This makes him the first statewide candidate in the U.S. to make such a profound pledge, directly addressing AI’s economic impact. It signals a proactive approach to ensuring stability amidst rapid technological shifts.
Building on a broader AI policy framework, Steyer’s plan aims to position California as the “first major economy in the world” to ensure “good-paying” jobs for its residents impacted by AI. This commitment seeks to safeguard livelihoods and prevent the widespread economic disruption often associated with automation. It envisions a future where technology serves society equitably.
Financing AI Transition and Protecting Workers
To fund this pioneering initiative, Steyer proposes a novel “token tax” on big tech companies, charging a “fraction of a cent for every unit of data processed” for AI. This sustainable revenue stream would flow into the Golden State Sovereign Wealth Fund, allocating funds to create jobs and invest in critical sectors across California.
New jobs would focus on developing housing, bolstering healthcare infrastructure, and modernizing the state’s energy grid. Beyond direct job creation, Steyer plans substantial investments in training and apprenticeship programs statewide. This equips workers with future-proof skills, strengthening California’s economic foundation and creating vibrant public spaces.
Steyer’s comprehensive plan also includes vital provisions for individual workers. It calls for an expansion of unemployment insurance, offering a stronger financial safety net during professional transitions. A key feature is the proposed establishment of an AI Worker Protection Administration.
This collaborative body would unite union leaders, academics, and technologists to develop and implement rules protecting workers’ rights in an AI-driven economy. Its goal is ethical AI deployment and mitigating negative employment impacts, addressing the anxieties of a workforce “terrified that AI is going to hollow out this whole economy.”
The Evolving AI Policy Landscape and Challenges
Steyer’s job guarantee emerges as lawmakers and AI executives grapple with AI’s profound societal implications. The discourse around AI’s impact on the U.S. workforce is rapidly escalating. Policy discussions range from retraining initiatives to new economic models, and similar proposals have been floated by New Jersey lawmakers and even AI industry leaders like Dario Amodei (Anthropic CEO) and OpenAI.
Steyer’s announcement also coincided with Democratic primary opponent Xavier Becerra’s own AI plan, which advocates for “workforce investment and transition support.” Becerra’s memo underscored the moral imperative: “Displacement without support is abandonment.” However, his plan notably lacks a specific funding mechanism.
Despite growing consensus on AI regulation, the White House has shown caution towards state-level efforts. Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order threatening to revoke federal broadband funding from states approving “onerous” AI laws. This highlights potential federal-state tension over AI governance.
Steyer, however, remains steadfast. “Not regulating AI doesn’t seem remotely reasonable,” he asserted, emphasizing the critical need for proactive governance. He believes California must lead with a forward-thinking vision that ensures technological progress benefits all citizens. His plan aims to balance innovation with social responsibility, setting a precedent for a tech-driven economy.
Source: Wired – AI
