1. United States
2. Maine
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to ask you to support Senator Bernie Sanders’s proposal for a 32-hour, four-day workweek with no cut in pay, as well as sensible federal rules for artificial intelligence. New technology has always changed the way Americans work and oftentimes saves hours of dehumanizing work. AI may bring genuine benefits by reducing that work, but those benefits should not flow only to large corporations and their shareholders. If technology makes businesses more productive, working people should share in that progress through better wages, greater security, more time for their families, health, and communities. A 32-hour workweek is a practical way to begin that conversation. Too many Americans are already stretched thin by long hours, caregiving responsibilities, and rising costs to even consider growing their family. A shorter standard workweek could reduce burnout, help employers retain employees, and give people more time to live their lives outside of work without asking them to sacrifice income. Congress should also act to ensure that AI is introduced responsibly. Workers deserve to know when automated systems are being used to make decisions about hiring, pay, scheduling, performance, or discipline. Employers should not be permitted to use AI to bypass labor laws, discriminate against employees or applicants, or subject people to constant surveillance. Companies developing and deploying high-risk AI systems should be transparent about how those systems work, test them for harm and bias, protect privacy, and be held fully accountable and liable when people are harmed. I need you to make sure innovation serves the public good. We should not wait until more workers have lost jobs, privacy, or basic protections before setting fair rules. Please support Senator Sanders’s effort to establish a 32-hour workweek and work with colleagues in both parties to pass strong protections for workers and the public as AI becomes more common. I would appreciate hearing where you stand and what steps you plan to take.