Governor Evers' Task Force on Workforce and AI Meets in Oshkosh

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 -- 12:01 PM

(Joe Schulz, Wisconsin Public Radio) With growing advances in artificial intelligence, leaders of Wisconsin agencies are working to create a framework for embracing the technology while protecting workers.

According to Joe Schulz with Wisconsin Public Radio, the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence met in Oshkosh on Monday. The group included leaders of the state Department of Workforce Development, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. and the Department of Administration, as well as representatives from a local corporation and labor officials.

The task force is about halfway through its work to craft an advisory plan for Gov. Tony Evers. They are tasked with identifying the current effects of AI on Wisconsin’s labor market and making policy recommendations for investments in workforce development and education related to AI, according to DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek.

Pechacek said the group’s work is focused on having a “human-centered approach” to AI and ensuring workers are protected. She called the rise of artificial intelligence the “fourth Industrial Revolution,” saying the technology is projected to affect every industry.

“What it takes to be a worker in the 21st century and beyond is going to be very different than what it looked like in the past,” Pechacek said. “Our goal here in the task force is to make sure that we are bringing everyone along as our economy changes, as our communities change and as work changes.”

She added that the task force’s recommendations will be included in Evers’ next two-year state budget proposal. She said the goal is to release the advisory plan this summer.

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