On February 13, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced a first-in-the-nation initiative to deploy a ChatGPT-powered Artificial Intelligence Assistant across the state’s executive branch. The move aims to enhance government efficiency, and speed.
AI’s Role in Massachusetts Government
The state’s ChatGPT website states that the AI assistant will assist employees with “routine work,” including drafting, outlining, summarizing information, and conducting quick research. The rollout will occur in phases, beginning with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and will eventually encompass nearly 40,000 employees.
Governor Healey expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with OpenAI, stating, “AI has the potential to transform how government works, which is why we’re excited to partner with OpenAI on this AI assistant, which will ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and improve their ability to deliver better service to the people of Massachusetts.” The state emphasized that the tool will operate within a secure environment designed to protect state data and prevent employee inputs from training public AI models.
Other States Explore AI
While Massachusetts claims to be the first state to deploy AI across its entire executive branch, other states are as well exploring the technology. Pennsylvania conducted a “first-in-the-nation phased pilot” of ChatGPT in 2025, and Minnesota’s Enterprise Translations Office utilizes ChatGPT to support translation and interpretation services.
Concerns and Reactions
Senator Michael Moore, D-Millbury, believes the program will place Massachusetts at the “forefront of this paradigm shifting technology,” potentially saving taxpayer money while maintaining data confidentiality. However, some legislators and state workers have expressed reservations. The House recently passed a bill to ban the use of artificial intelligence in political advertisements without proper disclosure.
WBUR reported that the National Association of Government Employees voiced unhappiness with the plan, and some state workers fear potential job displacement. Concerns about privacy and the overall impact of the technology were also expressed by users on Reddit, with some describing the move as “alarming” and “out of touch.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the AI assistant?
The state’s ChatGPT website says employees can use the AI assistant to assist with “routine work” like drafting, outlining, summarizing and quick research.
Is Massachusetts the first state to use AI in government?
According to the Healey administration, Massachusetts is the first state to use AI for the entire executive branch.
What security measures are being taken?
The state emphasized that the AI tool will be rolled out “within a walled-off, secure environment that protects state data and ensures that employee chat inputs do not train public AI models.”
As Massachusetts moves forward with this initiative, it remains to be seen how effectively AI can be integrated into the public sector and whether it will deliver on its promise of a more efficient and responsive government.
