Kelly Proposes Tech-Funded AI Workforce Plan
Sen. Mark Kelly introduced a bill that would create an AI Horizon Fund using new taxes on large technology companies' digital advertising, AI usage, and excess profits. The fund would finance worker-training pathways, small-business and entrepreneurship programs, and unemployment benefits reaching at least 75 percent wage replacement for 26 weeks. The measure has no co-sponsors and would start with a $30 billion appropriation to be repaid to the Treasury.
Kelly outlined the plan last fall and spoke about it in the Senate this week. A council of AI experts plus labor, higher education, and workforce development figures would oversee the fund. The bill has no co-sponsors and starts with $30 billion to be repaid to the Treasury.
It would tax large tech companies’ digital advertising, AI use as measured by data produced, and excess AI profits. A June Sanders proposal would instead take a one-time stock tax from AI firms earning over $200 million annually, giving the government half ownership. An August Gallup survey found 27 percent worried technology might soon eliminate their jobs.
If enacted, the measure could shift some AI profits toward worker retraining, entrepreneurship aid, and stronger unemployment support, potentially helping displaced employees and small-business owners. Large tech companies might face higher costs or adjust advertising and AI pricing. Because the bill lacks co-sponsors, its near-term path may be limited, but it could shape Democratic messaging on AI and labor ahead of elections.