Mass. First State to Deploy ChatGPT Across Executive Branch

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BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey announced the launch of the ChatGPT-powered Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistant for the state's workforce. 
 
The AI Assistant will be implemented as a phased approach across the executive branch and will provide a safe and secure environment that protects state data, stated a press release. Massachusetts will be the first state to adopt the technology for the entire executive branch, which includes nearly 40,000 state employees. 
 
"This is about making government faster, more efficient, and more effective for the people we serve," said Governor Healey. "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. I'm grateful to Secretary Snyder and Secretary Paley for their innovative leadership on this and to the state workers who are eager to embrace this new technology."  
 
Following a competitive procurement process, the state and OpenAI have agreed to a contract to deploy ChatGPT at scale across Massachusetts state government. The rollout will take a phased approach, starting with staff in the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (TSS). Additional secretariats and executive branch agencies will be onboarded over the coming months. In conjunction with the rollout, the state is offering a series of optional training programs designed to provide employees using the Enterprise AI Assistant with a baseline understanding on best practices and strategic use of the tool. 
 
The rollout of ChatGPT will be within a walled-off, secure environment that protects state data and ensures that employee chat inputs do not train public AI models. Use of the tool is governed by terms and conditions set by the TSS Privacy Office, and regularly updated policies that govern the use and development of AI. While other states have launched limited pilot programs for ChatGPT, Massachusetts will be the first enterprise-wide deployment of the tool.
 
More information on the tool, training and other Frequently Asked Questions can be found at mass.gov/ai. 
"The Human Resources Division is excited about this employee-focused resource," said Melissa Pullin, Chief Human Resources Officer. "This partnership will be able to assist state employees in the course of their work and provides a cutting-edge tool to support the Commonwealth's workforce."  
 
The launch of the Enterprise AI Assistant builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader strategy to position Massachusetts as a global leader in applied AI. Through the Massachusetts AI Hub, the Administration is coordinating state support for the AI ecosystem, expanding access to critical infrastructure like compute resources, deepening partnerships with industry and research institutions, and ensuring Massachusetts remains the place where AI is developed, tested, and turned into real-world solutions across sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and health care. 
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Dalton Fire District Voters OK 'Surprise' Building Purchase

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

An image of 30-32 Flansburgh from the town's assessor data. 
DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.
 
During the meeting on Tuesday at the Stationary Factory, 48 voters approved 24 of the 25 articles on the warrant, including the purchase of 30-32 Flansburgh Ave., directly next to the current station. 
 
If the property passes the home inspection, the district would purchase the multi-family home from its current owner Richard Olsted for $350,000. 
 
The property is a two-family duplex built in 1920 with more than 6,000 square feet on a fifth of an acre. Its assessed value according to information in the town's database is $305,200. It's estimated on Zillow at $312,500, with a potential high of $350,000.
 
As part of the agreement for the purchase cost, the district agreed to allow Olsted to reside in one of the building's units for as long as he chooses, with the understanding that he will be responsible for utilities and will not be required to pay rent.
 
The foreseeable purpose of the other units will be to create proper housing for emergency services personnel. 
 
The department currently has three makeshift bedrooms in the fire station that were described as not well suited for a regular ambulance service.
 
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