BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — Bergen County students could soon get a head start on artificial intelligence under a new federal proposal from Rep. Josh Gottheimer.
The Tenafly Democrat unveiled the AI LABS Act Sept. 4 in Ridgewood, proposing federal grants to help K-12 schools create AI labs, give students access to the technology and train teachers to use it.
The bill is expected to be formally introduced in the House this week.
Gottheimer says schools need to strike a balance between embracing AI and making sure students still learn how to read, write and think for themselves.
“The answer isn’t more screens,” Gottheimer said. “The answer is smarter, more purposeful use of technology, alongside real, honest-to-goodness reading, writing and critical thinking.”
His proposal would also study which schools receive federal funding and resources, with the goal of helping guide future investments in AI education.
The push comes as schools grapple with students increasingly turning to chatbots for homework and other work.
Gottheimer says AI should be a tool, not a substitute for learning.
“We can’t let AI write our papers,” he said. “But it can be a tool for helping us learn.”
He also said AI should not replace teachers, but could help reduce “busy work” and create personalized lesson plans.
The proposal comes as some schools move in the opposite direction by limiting technology.
Ridgewood Superintendent Mark Schwarz said the district has concerns about students getting too much exposure to technology while also recognizing that students need to be prepared for a technology-rich future.
Gottheimer also weighed in on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s decision to restrict AI use in city public schools.
“I get the instinct,” Gottheimer said, but argued that an outright ban does not teach students how to use AI responsibly.
“Banning technology versus drowning in it is a false choice,” he said.
New Jersey has not adopted a comprehensive statewide AI-use policy for public schools.
Gottheimer’s proposal instead seeks to put federal money behind teaching students how to use the technology while keeping traditional learning at the center of the classroom.
