Wisconsin creates task force to study AI’s effect on workforce

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday signed an executive order creating a task force to evaluate how artificial intelligence might impact the state’s workforce in the near future.

The new task force, called the Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence, is charged with gathering information and producing an advisory action plan to identify the state of generative artificial intelligence’s impact on Wisconsin’s current and future labor market.

The advisory action plan will look at how AI may affect Wisconsin’s key industries, occupations and foundational skill sets, according to a press release. It will also explore initiatives that could advance equity and economic opportunity in the face of changes brought on by AI.

The task force will be administered by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and chaired either by the department’s secretary, Amy Pechacek, or her designee. The governor will appoint additional members from state agencies and representatives from the University of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Technical College Systems. Other members may include representatives from state and local government, the business community, educational institutions, organized labor and other relevant sectors.

The order follows Evers’ plan to address the state’s longstanding workforce challenges. The governor announced this month he’s calling a special session of the Wisconsin State Legislature in September to address workforce issues.

Wisconsin’s task force also follows a trend of states attempting to manage how generative AI is used in state government.

“Wisconsin is ready to pursue and advance solutions that will ensure the state can take on the workforce challenges that may come with a transformative technology like artificial intelligence and embrace a future where all Wisconsinites, including workers, employers, and job seekers, benefit from a dynamic, growing economy that increases efficiency with the adoption of new technology,” Evers said in the news release. “Establishing this task force will be critical in understanding, adapting to, and capitalizing on the transformations AI will bring, ensuring Wisconsin’s workforce and industries remain steady, stable, and robust in the face of technological advancement.”