Maryland's plan for the AI future

Maryland Governor Wes Moore is leading a bold, first-in-the-nation effort to shape the state’s AI future with both aggressive regulation and strategic investment. In a landmark move, Maryland became the first state to ban dynamic pricing in grocery stores—where algorithms could charge different prices based on shopper data—citing fairness for working families. Moore argues that such practices exploit consumers with limited flexibility, especially during peak shopping hours. Beyond consumer protection, he’s launching a $4 million initiative to train workers in high-growth sectors like AI, life sciences, and aerospace, emphasizing that AI’s benefits must be accessible, not just profitable for corporations. His administration is partnering with Anthropic and foundations to deploy AI for public good—from speeding up government permitting to expanding summer food access for over 750,000 children. Yet Moore insists on strict guardrails for data centers, requiring them to fund their own energy, hire local workers, and comply with environmental rules. He rejects the notion that tech giants should dictate policy, declaring, 'What right looks like is determined by the people of Maryland.' Drawing from his entrepreneurial background, Moore champions speed and flexibility in governance, rejecting bureaucratic inertia. His vision isn’t just about economic growth—it’s about ensuring that progress doesn’t leave anyone behind.