Urgent Action Needed: Protect American Jobs and Consider UBI in the AI Era

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping our job market at an unprecedented pace, and we must act now to protect American workers. Recent data shows a staggering 35% decrease in entry-level job postings since January 2023, with higher-paying jobs requiring a bachelor's degree being particularly vulnerable to AI disruption. This trend is already impacting our newest workforce entrants, with only 30% of the class of 2025 securing full-time positions in their fields, down from 41% for the class of 2024. As your constituent, I urge you to take immediate action to address this looming crisis. We need comprehensive legislation that protects human jobs while also preparing for a future where traditional employment may not be sufficient to support our population. It's time to seriously consider implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program. UBI could provide a crucial safety net as we navigate this transition, ensuring that Americans can meet their basic needs even as the job market undergoes radical changes. It would also give workers the flexibility to retrain or pursue education in emerging fields, making our workforce more adaptable to the AI-driven economy. Additionally, I ask that you support initiatives to help our educational institutions adapt more quickly to the changing labor market. Programs like those implemented by CUNY, which focus on industry collaborations and practical skills development, should be encouraged and funded at a national level. The clock is ticking. Every day we delay action, more Americans risk being left behind in this technological revolution. Please prioritize this issue in upcoming legislative sessions and work towards solutions that will protect our workforce and economy in the age of AI.