Senator Bernie Sanders has introduced a sweeping legislative proposal aimed at redistributing the immense wealth generated by the artificial intelligence boom. The plan seeks to shift economic control away from a handful of tech giants and place it directly into the hands of the American public, addressing growing concerns over wealth inequality in the age of automation.
The $7 Trillion Sovereign Wealth Fund
The centerpiece of the proposal is the American AI Sovereign Wealth Fund Act. As detailed by AP News, the act would establish a sovereign wealth fund overseen by an independent commission. This fund would be financed via a one-time 50% tax on the stock of AI companies with annual revenues exceeding $200 million.Crucially, this is not a cash tax; the legislation would require companies to transfer equity, effectively making the public a major shareholder in the industry's most valuable firms. Sanders estimates the total value of this fund could reach approximately $7 trillion.
Direct Payouts and Social Infrastructure
The proposed fund is designed to provide immediate financial relief to citizens. According to Fortune, the plan envisions annual $1,000 payments to every American, funded by an expected 5% dividend from the AI companies' earnings.Beyond individual checks, the wealth generated would be reinvested into public services. As reported by Yahoo News, the proceeds would support critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and affordable housing, ensuring that the productivity gains from AI benefit society as a whole.