NJ launches new AI tool, training for state employees

Gov. Phil Murphy on Wednesday unveiled NJ AI Assistant, a new generative AI-powered platform for state employees.

The state is also rolling out a new comprehensive generative AI training program one of the nation’s first.

Features of NJ AI Assistant include:

• A safe sandbox environment for department and agency staffs to use AI to responsibly improve government services and operations;



• Hosted on state infrastructure, offering heightened security and privacy protections;



• Does not use state data to train a third-party AI model.

 

Created in partnership with InnovateUS , the baseline GenAI training course was designed specifically for state workers to help ensure the use of AI is safe, secure, respectful of residents’ privacy, free of bias and in line with state policies. It provides hands-on guidance on how to use GenAI to suggest plain language improvements to public information, summarize lengthy documents, brainstorm, generate new content and more.

The Murphy administration says these tools build on state efforts in the AI space. Last fall, Executive Order No. 346 established the New Jersey AI Task Force. Then in November, Murphy announced a policy guiding state employees in responsibly using generative AI to improve how government delivers services to New Jersey residents.

In fact, several state departments and agencies have begun using generative AI, in some instances, to improve services. A notable example is the ANCHOR property tax program call center, where the New Jersey Division of Taxation has used AI to generate better self-service menu options so residents can avoid waiting on hold to speak to an agent. The state says that has led to a 50% increase in the number of successfully resolved calls.

Educating employees

Murphy said that the goal is to empower public servants with the knowledge, skills and training to comfortably leverage this technology to solve real problems for New Jerseyans.

“With the launch of the state’s very own AI Assistant and GenAI training course, we are on the cusp of a new era of government transformation,” said Murphy. “I look forward to all the ways our state departments and agencies will put this technology to good use, ensuring New Jersey remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

New Jersey State Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole said this is an example of government technology and policies at their best.

“The Office of Innovation has seen incredible results with its early uses of AI and we are excited to see these tools in the hands of even more public sector employees,” said Cole.

Beth Simone Noveck, New Jersey state chief AI strategist, noted how generative AI is evolving in real time.

“And now our public workforce will be on the forefront of advancing this technology and helping to realize its boundless potential to build a better New Jersey,” she said. “This tool and training will help state departments enhance public service delivery, improve efficiency, and ensure these innovations are accessible and beneficial to all New Jerseyans while protecting their rights and privacy.”

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