Reps. Scholten, Downing Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Help Small Businesses Develop AI Literacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03), a member of the House Committee on Small Business, and Congressman Troy Downing (MT-02) introduced the bipartisan Artificial Intelligence Wisdom for Innovative Small Enterprises (AI-WISE) Act, legislation that would require the Small Business Administration to develop AI-literacy resources on its existing e-learning platform. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 1 in 4 businesses do not know whether they will or will not use AI in production during the next six months. This bill would help small business owners considering adopting AI tools to critically evaluate and assess their capabilities and help remedy any related drawbacks.

"Small businesses are eager to embrace AI, but they need quality education and support to do so effectively," said Rep. Scholten. "It is our responsibility to ensure they have access to the resources and training needed to harness AI's potential while avoiding pitfalls. As a member of the House Committee on Small Business, I'm proud to be introducing this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to make sure small businesses aren't being left behind as AI reshapes our economy."

"AI holds the potential to be a force multiplier for the small businesses that drive Montana's economy forward. I am proud to be leading this legislation with Congresswoman Scholten to provide resources for Main Street regarding the practical ways AI can be implemented to support our small business leaders and look forward to seeing its positive impacts in the Treasure State," said Rep. Downing.

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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