Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios
TechNet during an Axios event on Thursday unveiled recommendations for policymakers and the private sector to "empower" workers with the benefits of AI.
Why it matters: There's a lot of concern about how AI could displace workers and put jobs at risk, but industry players are looking to highlight the benefits of the technology and how the government can help prepare.
What's inside: TechNet, an advocacy and lobbying group, outlines a variety of bills from previous sessions that lawmakers should reconsider this Congress in its "AI and the Workforce" white paper. For example:
- The Upskilling and Retraining Assistance Act would increase the amount of tax-free educational assistance employees can receive from their employers.
- The Investing in American Workers Act would create a tax credit for employers to invest in postsecondary credentials for certain workers.
- The National Apprenticeship Act would create nearly one million new apprenticeship opportunities over the next five years by investing more than $3.8 billion over that time.
For companies, the white paper says, "leaders should communicate how AI can remove the toil from work and increase job satisfaction and well-being rather than focusing solely on productivity gains."
- Companies should also offer trainings and establish the transparent and responsible use of the technology, TechNet said.
Context: TechNet in 2023 announced a $25 million AI for America campaign, a public affairs initiative to educate the public about the positives of AI.
What they're saying: "AI has the capacity to create meaningful value across every sector of our economy, accelerate scientific progress, and improve the lives of all Americans," said TechNet CEO Linda Moore.
- "In order to harness AI's full potential, we need to be intentional about how we are employing these powerful technologies."
