The Partnership for Public Service program now helps state government leaders advance their AI expertise. The Partnership’s AI Government Leadership Program, offered for the last six years to federal leaders, now serves leaders in state and local government, according to a May 20 release. The organization explains that “this program equips leaders to responsibly implement AI, from early governance to broad-scale usage, and offers executive coaching, guest speakers and cross-agency collaboration. On average, 90% of those who graduated from the program believe it made them a better leader.”
According to the organization, the Partnership for Public Service prioritizes improving government effectiveness, working across political lines to ensure it fulfills its responsibilities. The organization connects public, private, and social sectors, supported by a variety of funding sources that enhance its ability to foster collaboration and drive results. They provide key solutions and performance measures aimed at transforming government operations in three main areas.
Hairstylists in Oklahoma say they plan to protest after Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would eliminate the state board of cosmetology. In Stitt’s veto message, he questioned the validity of the board, writing: “What does this board really need to do, and who should be in charge of it? Until the board becomes more transparent, responsive, and aligned with the needs of today’s workforce, its continued existence should not be taken for granted.” The bill would have prevented the board from being sunset on July 1. According to kfor on May 20, a spokesperson for the governor said he doesn’t want to eliminate the board, but thinks a different state agency could assume those duties. The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering also licenses barbers, nail technicians, eyelash technicians and massage therapists.
Idaho ranks number 37 overall for all states and Puerto Rico in the 2024 State Occupational Licensing Index from the Archbridge Institute and the Knee Regulatory Research Center; the score places the state 37th among states for the highest occupational licensing burden. Besides the overall ranking, the report also features a state profile ranking that puts states in one of five quintiles. Idaho ranks four in the quintile system, with one the “most occupational licensing” and five the “least occupational licensing.” The quintile system reviews several factors, including barriers and licenses, along with universal recognition reforms. The licensing index, released in August, contains information on 284 occupations.
Other overall rankings include South Dakota at number 38.
See a listing of all state rankings in the latest edition of the State Occupational Licensing Index.
New AI Center for Government Helps State Government
On March 25 the Partnership for Public Service launched the AI Center for Government, an initiative designed to help federal, state and local leaders with “AI literacy, confidence and talent strategies to navigate an AI-driven future.” The Center focuses on helping state, local and federal leaders use AI to create a meaningful impact.
