PEF leading the way on intersection of state workforce and artificial intelligence

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PEF Statewide IT Committee Chair Radhakrishna Mohan, at the podium, addresses attendees of the PEF IT Summit on AI on July 10 in Albany.

ALBANY, NY (07/12/2024) (readMedia)-- The Public Employees Federation (PEF) convened a summit on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in the state workforce on July 10, bringing together top officials in the state Office of Information Technology Services (OITS), legislators, and union leaders.

"Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and we must evolve as a state workforce to make sure its use is transparent, devoid of unintended bias, and best serves the needs of the public we serve," said PEF President Wayne Spence.

PEF brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the future of AI as it intersects with the State workforce.

"IT professionals have all heard the saying, 'Garbage in, garbage out.'" said PEF Statewide IT Committee Chair Radhakrishna Mohan, who organized the "PEF IT Summit on AI" together with Christopher Ford, who leads the PEF division that represents OITS employees across New York. "It is imperative that we know what data is being fed to AI, that we know what algorithms are being used, and that we demand the continued need for human oversight of AI systems."

Attendees included NYS Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues, OITS Chief Information Officer Dru Rai; OITS Deputy Chief Data Officer Christopher O'Connor; State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee; State Sen. Robert Jackson, chair of the Senate Civil Service and Pensions Committee; and State Assemblymember Alex Bores, member of the Assembly Technology Committee.

"AI has wildly divergent potential outcomes; we'll all be better off if the people doing the work are directly involved in shaping its regulation and implementation," said State Assemblymember Alex Bores. "PEF members have a wealth of experience and important context that helps New York government get things done. I thank them for pulling us all together and hosting this important discussion on technology that will impact every New Yorker."

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said: "The reality of AI is that these deeply imperfect technologies cannot replace human judgment or creativity, and our economy is simply not prepared for the mass displacement of workers or disruption to our democracy that AI adoption could accelerate. I will continue to pass more legislation like the FAIR Act and LOADinG Act that will ensure the safe and proper utilization of AI technology and hope to have many more of these conversations in the future."

"In an age where artificial intelligence redefines boundaries, let's ensure it extends our capacities, not limits them," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "As we pioneer AI integration in New York, our focus is clear: to elevate, not replace, the unique contributions of every state worker. Our approach must be proactive-driving innovation and implementing policies that empower our workforce, ensuring opportunities for all. AI should amplify, not mute, the dynamic human spirit that drives our state forward."