Since 2000, nearly 5 million manufacturing jobs have been lost to offshoring - devastating many American communities and families. Some advocates claim these jobs can be brought back by reshoring. However, others say that due to the advent of artificial intelligence and automation, this is extremely unlikely. A 2017 study posited that between 23% and 44% of work hours will be automated by 2030 — particularly in jobs with a high degree of repetition such as machinists, office support and retail sales. And it is estimated 38% of all U.S. jobs could be lost to automation within the next 12 years. These threatened occupations include software designers, legal assistants, movie ushers, cashiers, bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks, secretaries, administrative assistants and office clerks, among others. Ride-sharing and long-haul trucking jobs are also on this list. In addition, the rise of robotics in warehouses, factories and fast-food restaurants present even more danger to our workforce. Automation critics warn our nation is ill-prepared for these momentous changes.

Some see Universal Basic Income (UBI) as one solution to this cyborg revolution. UBI is a government program in which every adult citizen receives a set amount of money on a regular basis to help alleviate poverty, unemployment and underemployment. They say many will need to be subsidized by a monthly basic income guarantee if they are to survive this revolution with any standard of living intact.

Proposed legislation: S.3034 - TAA for Automation Act of 2019
Proposed Sponsor: Sen. Gary Peters (MI)