Subject:
Support Human Oversight of Artificial Intelligence in Public Services!
Message:
Dear Legislator,
As a constituent who is concerned with the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) on our public services and the employees who administer them, I urge you to pass S.7599 (Gonzalez) and A.8295-B (Otis), which will regulate the use of AI and ensure that it is used responsibly by school districts, SUNY, CUNY and municipal governments.
The use of AI has increased significantly at all levels of government. This technology is being used to help individuals access government services and programs, determine eligibility for various public benefits, process records and is being considered for various other purposes, including educational counseling and tutoring services. Such uses are often done without any oversight and without end user knowledge.
In February, the New York state technology law was amended to require automated decision-making systems that use AI to be subject to continued operational human review.
This was the first step in protecting the important role public employees play in the operation of state government from the possibility of allowing AI to act as the sole decision maker for vital government services and public aid utilized by millions of New Yorkers.
S.7599 and A.8295-B would expand these protections to include public K-12, SUNY, CUNY and Community College faculty and staff, as well as municipal employees across the state.
While the use of AI is pervasive in many facets of daily life, actual human decision making must take precedent over automation when it concerns important decisions made by public employees that could have life altering consequences for the public they serve.
Accordingly, I urge you to pass S.7599 and A.8295-B, which will help prevent layoffs and other negative consequences for public sector workers.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. I respectfully ask that you advocate for the passage of these bills with your conference and your leadership. I look forward to your reply to my email.
Sincerely,
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