Governor Moore Announces Over $2.6 Million in Grants to Enhance Public Service Delivery Through Artificial Intelligence

Maryland is set to leverage artificial intelligence to improve how residents access vital public services, following the announcement that the state has secured two significant grants totaling more than $2.6 million over two years. These awards, granted through the Public Benefit Innovation Fund of the Center for Civic Futures, will support projects aimed at removing barriers to essential programs such as nutrition assistance, housing, and healthcare. Maryland was among 45 states that applied, and successfully obtained two of the seven total awards granted nationwide.

Governor Wes Moore highlighted the strategic use of AI as a tool for positive change, emphasizing responsible innovation to ensure broader access to critical services. The funding will enable exploration into various applications of AI to streamline government and community organization delivery of programs like food assistance, Medicaid, housing, and unemployment benefits. This initiative arrives at a time when new federal legislation may impose work requirements on seniors, veterans, and individuals experiencing homelessness, potentially impacting a substantial number of Marylanders relying on these services.

One of the grants, amounting to $1.2 million, will be led by a multi-state project involving the Maryland Department of Human Services, Maryland Department of Health, Maryland Benefits, and the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange. This project aims to develop AI tools that will simplify the work verification process for SNAP and Medicaid programs. Maryland will also serve as the lead for a cohort of states within the American Public Human Services Association, focusing on creating and refining AI tools that can be implemented across other participating states.

The second grant, totaling $1.45 million, will see the Maryland Department of Labor collaborating with the Government Performance Lab and Computational Policy Lab. This partnership will focus on testing novel AI applications to enhance service delivery. The project includes the development of systems designed to assist agency staff in navigating complex regulations, processing documents, and creating tools such as staff training simulators.

These advancements are part of the Moore-Miller Administration’s broader commitment to utilizing AI to improve state services, building on previous collaborations with technology companies. The development and deployment of all AI systems and tools by the State of Maryland will adhere to a rigorous intake process and the state’s Responsible AI Policy, ensuring robust safeguards for data, security, and privacy. The funded projects will also participate in a collaborative learning cohort with other states, researchers, and community organizations to share best practices and refine AI applications for public service.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore.

---