Mayor Ras J. Baraka signed the Municipal ID Bill into law as a City Ordinance yesterday morning at City Hall. The Municipal ID program offers all residents of Newark, aged 14 years-old and older a valid ID card that will allow them access to vital city services.
This will be especially useful for marginalized people in the community such as those with disabilities, youth, seniors, clergy, formerly incarcerated individuals, the homeless, immigrants and others.
Some highlights of the of the ID program include:
* Serves as proof of identity and proof of residency regardless of immigration status
* Access to cultural Institutions and schools and within the City
* Discounts at the Health and Wellness Center
* Helps residents who do not have access to other forms of identification to interact with city agencies and local authorities
The city is working with local banks in an effort to allow residents with the Municipal ID to open bank accounts. The Newark Municipal ID cards will begin as a pilot program on July 1 and then open citywide on August 1.
