Tom Steyer proposes AI token tax to fund California workers
Tom Steyer, a billionaire and California gubernatorial hopeful, is pitching a new tax on AI tokens.
He says the money would go into a public fund to support people whose jobs are replaced by AI, kind of like giving everyone a fair shot as tech keeps changing the game.
At a San Diego event, Steyer compared today's AI shakeup to big job losses in the Midwest years ago and argued that it's time for tech companies to chip in.
Steyer plan funds training and cash
Steyer's plan is for this fund to pay for education and job training so workers can land new roles in a world with more AI.
He's also floating the idea of direct cash payments.
The proposal borrows from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's idea of taxing data processing through tokens, basically making sure companies using lots of AI contribute back.
Steyer regrets past investments, faces primary
Steyer faces an uphill battle in the June primary against Republican rivals but is sticking with his progressive ideas, like taxing the wealthy.
He also addressed criticism over past investments, saying he regrets them and plans to give away most of his fortune.
For Steyer, this AI tax is about balancing innovation with real help for everyday Californians.