Subject:
Urge The Governor to Support Human Oversight of AI in Public Services
Message:
Dear Governor Hochul,
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 sign S.7599 (Gonzalez) and A.8295-B (Otis) into law, 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 multiple other purposes, including educational counseling and tutoring services. Such uses are often carried out without oversight or 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 ongoing operational human review.
This was the first step in protecting the vital 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 used 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 AI is pervasive in many facets of daily life, actual human decision-making must take precedence over automation when it comes to important decisions made by public employees that could have life-altering consequences for the public they serve.
Accordingly, I urge you to sign S.7599 and A.8295-B into law, which will help prevent layoffs and other negative consequences for public sector workers.
Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.
Sincerely,
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