Making Sure Technology Works for the People
Technology has always changed the way we work.
The steam engine changed work.
The tractor changed farming.
The automobile changed transportation.
The computer changed business.
Now artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are transforming nearly every industry.
The question isn’t whether technology will continue to advance.
It will.
The real question is:
Who should benefit when machines begin replacing human labor?
Today, the financial benefits often flow almost entirely to the owners of the machines while displaced workers, families, and communities bear much of the economic impact.
The Farmer Servant Machine Dividend Plan is designed to ensure that when automation creates tremendous new wealth, the people of Oklahoma share in that prosperity.
Step 1: Recognize That AI and Automation Are Changing the Workforce
Artificial intelligence and automation are already replacing or changing jobs in:
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
- Customer service
- Healthcare
- Retail
- Agriculture
- Finance
- Software development
- Logistics
- Government
This trend will continue.
Ignoring it will not protect Oklahoma workers.
Planning for it might.
Step 2: Create a Machine Dividend
When large-scale automation substantially replaces human labor, a portion of the economic value created should be returned to the people of Oklahoma through a Machine Dividend.
This is not intended to punish innovation.
It is intended to ensure that technological progress benefits everyone—not only those who own the technology.
Step 3: Encourage Innovation While Protecting Workers
Oklahoma should welcome innovation.
Businesses that responsibly adopt new technology should continue to grow and compete.
However, when automation significantly reduces the need for human workers, public policy should also consider the effects on:
- Workers
- Families
- Local communities
- Schools
- State revenues
Technology should improve lives—not leave communities behind.
Step 4: Focus on Large-Scale Automation
The Machine Dividend is intended for situations where artificial intelligence, robotics, or advanced automation replaces substantial amounts of human labor.
The goal is not to burden:
- Family farms
- Small businesses
- Independent contractors
- Entrepreneurs using ordinary technology
The focus is on large-scale commercial automation that creates extraordinary economic gains through workforce displacement.
Step 5: Invest in Oklahoma’s Future
Revenue generated through the Machine Dividend should remain in Oklahoma and be used to strengthen our state.
Possible priorities include:
- Workforce retraining
- Career and technical education
- Rural broadband
- Water infrastructure
- Public education
- Healthcare access
- Research and innovation
- Economic development
As technology creates new wealth, it should help build stronger communities.
Step 6: Prepare Workers for Tomorrow’s Jobs
Automation will eliminate some jobs while creating others.
Oklahoma should invest in helping workers prepare for careers in:
- Artificial intelligence
- Robotics
- Cybersecurity
- Skilled trades
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Agriculture technology
- Advanced manufacturing
The best long-term solution is opportunity.
Step 7: Protect Oklahoma’s Competitive Advantage
The Machine Dividend should be carefully designed so Oklahoma remains attractive for responsible business investment.
Our goal is not to drive companies away.
Our goal is to create a fair partnership where businesses succeed and the people who helped build Oklahoma share in that success.
Step 8: Transparency and Accountability
If a Machine Dividend is implemented, every dollar collected should be publicly tracked through the People’s Table.
Oklahomans should be able to see:
- How much revenue is collected
- Where the money comes from
- How the funds are allocated
- What results are being achieved
The people deserve complete transparency.
Step 9: Let the People Help Shape the Policy
The details of the Machine Dividend should not be decided behind closed doors.
Through the People’s App, elected officials can poll verified Oklahoma voters to gather public input on major implementation decisions.
Technology is changing everyone’s future.
Everyone deserves a voice in how Oklahoma responds.
The Goal
The Farmer Servant Machine Dividend Plan recognizes a simple truth:
Artificial intelligence and automation will create enormous opportunities—but they will also create enormous challenges.
Instead of allowing all of the financial benefits to flow to a small number of corporations or investors, Oklahoma should build a system that encourages innovation while ensuring the people share in the prosperity created by new technology.
This plan is not anti-business.
It is not anti-technology.
It is pro-innovation, pro-worker, and pro-Oklahoma.
When technology makes society more productive, the people who built that society should share in its success.
Because the future shouldn’t belong only to the machines.
It should belong to the people.