The Senate Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) and co-chaired by Senator Nick Miller (D-14), held a public hearing at Ben Franklin Technology Partners in Bethlehem to examine the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) across Pennsylvania's economy, education system, and infrastructure.

            Members of the committee heard from experts in venture capital, healthcare, education, AI incubators and software development, all of whom emphasized that AI is already transforming everyday life and demanded thoughtful, proactive action from the Commonwealth.

            "AI is already changing how we deliver healthcare, how we educate our students, and how we protect sensitive data," said Senator Pennycuick. "As a state, we need to lead the way in responsible AI development while ensuring we are safeguarding our workforce and the personal information of our residents."

            "Supporting AI-based businesses is paramount to keeping Pennsylvania at the forefront of innovation," said the CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA. "At Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania, we're committed to driving the growth of forward-thinking companies that leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems. By investing in AI-driven businesses, we are refreshing, retaining, and reimagining highly paid, sustainable jobs for the great state of Pennsylvania."

            A central focus of the hearing was data protection. As AI systems generate and analyze vast amounts of information, the risk of cyberattacks is rising, underscoring the urgent need for stronger data governance policies in both the private and public sectors.

            Panelists also discussed the dramatic shifts AI is creating in the job market. While AI could displace up to 85 million jobs globally, it is also expected to create 97 million new roles by 2030. Emphasizing the urgency of workforce development, the committee asked how the state can support vocational and technical schools in quickly adapting to AI-driven industries and whether incentives could encourage broader integration in education.

            Healthcare was another key focus of the discussion, with representatives from St. Luke's University Health Network highlighting the innovative ways they are leveraging artificial intelligence. They shared that 42 AI tools are already actively integrated into their operations. These tools are helping to enhance patient outcomes, streamline workflows for providers, and improve overall healthcare delivery across their network.