The North Carolina Department of Treasury is going all-in on AI, announcing Monday that it will deploy artificial intelligence tools across the agency.
“We have a moral obligation to taxpayers to spend their money wisely,” state Treasurer Brad Breiner said in a statement. “This means increasing efficiency in everything we do as a state government, and artificial intelligence is already being used across the private sector with incredible results.”
However, the North Carolina State Employees Association warned that the impact of AI on workers is “very unknown.” Recruitment in other fields may also involve job loss.
The decision to integrate AI into the Treasurer’s Office follows a 12-week pilot program in 2025 in which the Treasury Department’s Division of Unclaimed Property and the Division of State and Local Finance tested ChatGPT.
A report evaluating a pilot project found that using ChatGTP saves time.
“A 12-week pilot program using OpenAI showed productivity increases of up to 10% in specific departments,” Briner’s statement said. “By deploying AI tools across the department, we hope that those productivity gains will be replicated across the team, leading to better returns for taxpayers.”
Personal data will be kept secure, the agency said in a news release.
The office used ChatGPT for free during a 12-week test.
Last month, the agency purchased 150 ChatGPT licenses for about $51,700 annually. Additionally, the office purchased Microsoft Copilot and GitHub Copilot licenses six months ago. Microsoft AI costs approximately $16,200 per year, and GitHub Copilot costs approximately $45,100 per year.
A new North Carolina Investment Authority is negotiating Anthropic’s acquisition of Claude, according to an information sheet provided by the Treasury Department.
The Ministry of Finance has a wide range of responsibilities. It manages investments in state pension plans, health insurance plans for state employees, serves as a repository for unclaimed cash, and monitors local governments’ financial health.
SEANC Secretary-General Aldis Watkins said in a statement that investments in AI require a clear plan.
“SEANC recognizes that AI has the potential to enable state employees to better support North Carolinians. We are not opposed to progress,” her statement said. “But how much of an impact it will have on all workers is unknown to everyone at this point.
Watkins said the public needs to know more about how the government uses AI.
“The Treasurer’s Office is huge and deals with a lot of issues that are important to state employees and retirees who want to know that their health care and retirement security is not at risk,” Watkins said. “The implementation of AI tools must be transparent to employees, involve them in the process, and be committed to protecting the employees who make these institutions work.”
Investigative reporter Lynn Bonner covers state legislatures and politics, as well as elections, the state budget, public and mental health, safety net programs, and racial equity issues.
NC Newsline is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
