Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and its potential impact on government is immense. While some fear AI's disruptive power, its capacity to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public understanding of government operations should be embraced. AI isn't a panacea, but it presents unique opportunities to modernize and streamline government processes.

Imagine a "ChatGVT" – an AI-powered tool that provides clear, concise answers about government functions. Need to understand a complex tax plan? Curious about the status of a bill in Congress? A ChatGVT could provide instant access to this information, fostering greater public engagement with the legislative process.

Beyond simplifying access to information, AI can help decipher the complex web of laws, regulations, and administrative actions that often obscure the true impact of government policies. By converting legal text into computer code, AI can quantify the costs of regulations on households and businesses, empowering policymakers to make more informed decisions.

This concept is already being explored. Richard Evans at the Center for Growth and Opportunity is developing FiscalSim, an open-source model of the U.S. tax and benefit system. Combined with other regulatory models, FiscalSim could be integrated into a chatbot to provide citizens with a personalized understanding of how government policies affect their finances and communities.

Moreover, AI can facilitate the modernization of outdated government systems. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of legacy systems, highlighting the need for more robust and secure infrastructure. AI can assist in upgrading to modern programming languages, reducing technical debt, and combating waste, fraud, and abuse.

The potential applications of AI in government are vast. From explaining complex policies to streamlining regulatory codes and improving technological infrastructure, AI offers a powerful toolkit for enhancing government transparency, efficiency, and accountability.