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Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito Launch IDNYC, The Country's Most Ambitious Municipal Identification Program

January 12, 2015

Video available at: https://youtu.be/i1uoYBGQtUk

Mayor announces the acceptance of IDNYC by more than 10 financial institutions and the complete package of card benefits, including entertainment and BigAppleRx prescription discounts

NEW YORK—Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito launched the IDNYC municipal identification program for residents of all five New York City boroughs. The Mayor also announced that the IDNYC card will be accepted as valid primary identification for opening a bank or credit union account at more than 10 financial institutions, and revealed the card’s full suite of benefits.

“IDNYC is not only a card for all New Yorkers, it is the gateway to City services, the key to opening a bank account or getting a library card, and the ticket to many of our city’s finest cultural institutions. More than that, this card represents who we are: New Yorkers who value equality, opportunity and diversity,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I want to thank Speaker Mark-Viverito and our partners in the Council for their tremendous work and collaboration on this program. Today, we are launching the most ambitious, dynamic and useful municipal ID program in the country, which will have a real and tangible impact on the lives of all New Yorkers.”

“Time and again, New York City has shown that we are not afraid to lead,” said Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “In launching the IDNYC program, we are living up to our highest ideals about who we are as a city. I’m proud of my colleagues and bill sponsors Immigration Committee Chair Carlos Menchaca and Council Member Daniel Dromm for their support in this process and thank the de Blasio administration for its partnership in making IDNYC a reality for all New Yorkers.”

“IDNYC identifies you as a card-carrying New Yorker,” said Council Member Daniel Dromm, the card’s main sponsor. “This is an exciting day, because today we are saying that all New Yorkers—regardless of gender identity, immigration status, homelessness, or other identifiers—are an important part of our city. I am so proud to have worked with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, Commissioner Agarwal, and Council Member Menchaca to create what I have called the ‘must-have accessory for all New Yorkers in 2015.’  Congratulations, all!”

“The launch of IDNYC marks the beginning of a new time in our great City. The significance of the IDNYC, however, is far larger than the creation of another form of identification. The real victory of this program is the way that it will make the lived experiences of New Yorkers—from all walks of life—more full and dignified. We remain committed to meeting New Yorkers where they are, and the roll-out of this initiative represents a real sensitivity to the concerns, cultures and lifestyles of all of our residents. This is truly transformative, something greater than the sum of its parts: the Council in fierce partnership with City agencies and our community partners. I applaud the de Blasio administration, the Speaker, the Council, and the countless advocates on their unwavering resolve to ensure the success of this program,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca.

“There’s no place like New York City in all the world, and residents are rightly proud to claim the city as part of their identities, whether they’ve been here five months or 50 years. I’m eager to become a card-carrying New Yorker through the IDNYC program and encourage all of my constituents to do the same, and take full advantage of all of the opportunities this ID program provides to explore new York City’s most exciting cultural institutions, free of charge,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy.

“I welcome the launch of IDNYC as an important component in providing access for all New Yorkers to have sufficient identification,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “By encouraging the growing use of IDNYC, this plan is an important and practical tool that will provide access to identification for immigrants, young adults, homeless residents and other New Yorkers who may not have access to any other form of proper identification. This historical initiative will have a significant impact on the lives of many New Yorkers, and I applaud the hard work and commitment of Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, Council Members Dromm and Menchaca, and all the stakeholders to get this important program operational.”

“The IDNYC program represents a fundamentally powerful step forward in unifying and strengthening our city,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “I’m encouraging all my constituents to apply for an IDNYC card, and I’m particularly excited about the positive impact the program will have within our immigrant communities, from Chinatown to neighborhoods all across the city. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Council Speaker Mark-Viverito for their leadership on this deeply important initiative, and I can’t wait to get an IDNYC card of my own!”

“This groundbreaking program gives a chance for every single person living in the five boroughs to proudly proclaim their pride in being a New Yorker. And, critically, the many benefits of the card—from museum memberships to access to government buildings—will be available to us all, regardless of where we were born or what our immigration status is,” said Council Member Mark Levine.

“For many New Yorkers, the traditional routes for identification remained largely inaccessible,” said Council Member Donovan Richards. “IDNYC will be the most expansive effort nationwide to include those who would otherwise be excluded from utilizing needed services provided by City agencies and other institutions. This initiative is an important step in addressing the challenges faced largely by the undocumented, and I look forward to a continued partnership with the administration to service the needs of all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status.”

“I could not be more excited for the rollout of IDNYC. So often, the day-to-day issues of not having a photo ID get lost in the mix. Now, with the IDNYC program, thousands of New Yorkers will be able to enter their children’s school and government buildings, rent library books, open bank accounts, and enjoy countless memberships and subscriptions. This program is only the beginning. After what I’m sure will be a successful rollout, I expect countless cities across the nation to follow the model Mayor de Blasio has created. I congratulate Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito on their leadership in making New York on the successful rollout of what will assuredly be a marquee program in our nation,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

“The IDNYC program will be a great benefit for the city. Not only will it allow all residents to access local institutions, such as schools and libraries, it can provide the opportunity for undocumented individuals to open bank accounts, and ensure that all residents can be identified in interactions with the police. I want to congratulate the administration on making this huge step forward for all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Antonio Reynoso.

“I am proud to stand with Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito, and our community partners in the launch of IDNYC. This municipal ID program is an important resource available to all New York City residents, particularly youth, undocumented immigrants, the homeless, and anyone else who typically would have difficulty obtaining official government identification,” said Council Member Andy King. “And, with all of the free or discounted entertainment benefits that this card provides, IDNYC cardholders will enjoy the great pleasures of being a New Yorker even more.”

“I’m excited to see IDNYC’s official launch, creating a more inclusive and equitable city for all New Yorkers,” said Council Member Rory I. Lancman. “These IDs will increase access to our city’s cultural offerings, welcoming hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who would otherwise never engage with New York’s world class-institutions.”

“New York City of the 21st Century must be inclusive to all. IDNYC includes all New Yorkers, regardless of origin, giving everyone opportunities like opening a bank account and allowing everyone the chance to engage with their government. I am proud of my colleagues Council Speaker Mark-Viverito and Council Member Dromm for their strong leadership and bold vision on this important issue. I thank Mayor de Blasio for his commitment to an inclusive New York,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides.

“New York City is known for being a diverse, vibrant, multiracial and unique place that welcomes all. Now with the municipal ID, we can proudly proclaim ourselves as residents of this amazing place and have greater access to services, programs, museums, zoos and all the great things that make New York City one of a kind,” said Council Member Inez E. Dickens.

“IDNYC will make New York a more inclusive city by connecting all New Yorkers to services, programs and benefits. I want to give a special thanks to Mayor de Blasio and the Cultural Institutions Group that have stepped forward to make this remarkable program a reality for New York City,” said Council Member Stephen Levin.

“IDNYC is a new gateway for thousands of New Yorkers to gain access to vital City programs and services. As Chair of the Women’s Issues Committee, I was proud to support this initiative that will ensure New York City becomes more inclusive, particularly of our vulnerable populations. IDNYC is an incredible tool that will enable local residents to overcome the setbacks they previously faced due to a lack of government-issued photo identification,” said Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo.

“The IDNYC has a wealth of cultural opportunities to go with it, from library access to free and reduced price museum access across the boroughs, and I know I’ll be using it. I encourage all New Yorkers to get one and commend Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for pioneering an ID for all who live in our city,” said Council Member Ben Kallos.

“Today is a historic day in the City of New York,” said Council Member Peter Koo. “The launch of IDNYC means that all New Yorkers, especially those who have been living in the shadows amongst us unable to obtain an identification card, will be counted as a member of our city. Everyone will have increased access to our libraries and cultural institutions, and previously undocumented folks will now be able to access crucial health and social services that they might otherwise not have been able to access before. This is an ambitious plan that will improve the lives of many, so I’m honored to stand with Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito in my district to announce the commencement of this fine program in front of the largest and busiest community library in New York. I encourage all New Yorkers to sign up and get one today.”

“This ID is a great way for all New Yorkers to experience some of our city’s greatest cultural institutions—including Lincoln Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in my district—for free,” said Council Member Helen Rosenthal. “I am grateful to Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for making this initiative a priority and getting it off the ground so quickly.”

“My family and I can’t wait to get our IDNYC cards. Meg and I are excited about joining New Yorkers in expressing our civic pride in NYC, getting a new library card, and having access to so many great museums. Like many 15-year-olds, our son is mostly excited about the discounted movie tickets,” said Council Member Brad Lander.

“I am so pleased that the IDNYC card will be available to all residents of New York City starting this week. The municipal identification card will make it easier for immigrants, people with disabilities, and teens to access critically important City services. As a Council member who represents a highly diverse constituency, I am familiar with how difficult it is for many people to access government resources and gain admission to City buildings. I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and my colleagues on the Immigration Committee for their fine efforts that are making this program possible,” said Council Member Mathieu Eugene.

“IDNYC will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer. “This card will not only provide many with their first official form of ID, but it also comes with free memberships to world-class cultural institutions, and it can serve as a library card! Access to information and City services is something all New Yorkers are entitled to. IDNYC will make that access a reality for so many, while literally opening doors to the arts and libraries at the same time. This card is a game-changer for New York and the nation.”

“Having seen how lack of identification can lead to economic inequality and even tragedy, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation establishing a municipal identity card in New York City. This is not just an issue for immigrants. It’s an issue for the homeless, the elderly, and other residents who have difficulty obtaining state photo identification cards. A municipal ID card will enable them to access library materials, government buildings, health care and other services many of us take for granted. It will also strengthen public safety, as those who cannot produce identification are often reluctant to report crimes to police, and the underreporting of crime erodes the ability of law enforcement to function effectively. I supported this bill from the start, because it is the right thing to do for all New Yorkers. If you love this city as much as I do, join me in being among the first in line this month for your own NYC ID!” said Council Member Debi Rose.

“In modern life, you can’t function without an ID, but too many New Yorkers today can’t get one because of their immigration status,” said Council Member Dan Garodnick. “These IDs will allow those New Yorkers to come out of the shadows.”

“The IDNYC will open the doors to our city for everyone and give access to those who previously might have had difficulty ‎obtaining proper ID. It’s a fantastic program, and I’m very excited for its start,” said Council Member Julissa Ferreras.

“The IDNYC municipal ID card is an opportunity for New Yorkers to become included in the hundreds of programs throughout the five boroughs with a membership to over 30 cultural institutions and libraries, while also acting as a free government-issued ID. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for this innovative program that will unify all of New York City’s residents, regardless of their immigration status, race, gender or sexual orientation under one identity: a New Yorker,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen.

“I believe that the legislation which created this program is very important.  Everyone has the right to be identifiable. In today’s world it is vital that everyone has a form of identification and this program provides that opportunity.” Council Member Karen Koslowitz.

If we are to truly help lift New Yorkers out of poverty and provide them access to affordable, quality health care, they must have access to city services. The IDNYC program is an important tool in achieving that end. In addition to providing needed identification, the IDNYC card has other benefits that will help keep New Yorker families healthy. It provides prescription drug discounts at 95% of the pharmacies across New York City. It also focuses on preventative health, providing discounts to fitness and health centers. As Chair of the Council’s Health Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues in government to ensure the IDNYC program’s success.”

The IDNYC card will be integrated into New York City’s official prescription drug discount card, BigAppleRx, giving card holders up to 50 percent off most FDA-approved prescription medications at more than 2,000 New York City pharmacies. It will also be accepted as valid primary identification for opening bank or credit union accounts at more than 10 financial institutions, including Popular Community Bank, Amalgamated Bank, and Carver Federal Savings Bank.

The Mayor also announced the full suite of IDNYC benefits, including:

  • Exclusive entertainment discounts on movie tickets, Broadway shows, sporting events, theme parks, and more with Entertainment Benefits Group.
  • A 10 percent discount off annual NYC Parks Recreation Center membership for adults age 25-61 and NYC Parks Department tennis permits.
  • A 20 percent discount on family memberships at all 22 YMCA centers citywide.
  • A free 30-day trial and fitness evaluation with a certified trainer at all New York Sports Club locations.
  • A 5 percent discount off all purchases at Food Bazaar supermarkets in New York City Monday through Friday, from 7 AM to 7 PM.
  • A 25 percent discount on New York Pass, a citywide pass to 83 tourist attractions in all five boroughs.
  • Free one-year membership packages at 33 of the City’s leading cultural institutions, including world class museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens, and zoos across the five boroughs.

The IDNYC card will make government work more effectively and efficiently for New Yorkers by expanding access to the services, programs and opportunities available to City residents. It will be accepted by the New York Police Department for the purposes of issuing summonses or desk appearance tickets in lieu of arrest, and has been incorporated into the NYPD Patrol Guide. The IDNYC card will grant access to all City buildings, increasing the confidence of New Yorkers to interact with their local government, schools and hospitals. The IDNYC program will continue to expand functionality and grow after the launch date to create an integrated form of identification that will be the one card New Yorkers need in their wallet.

All City residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2015. The City has established 17 permanent enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs, 11 of which are open to the general public in locations highly convenient to mass transit and commercial hubs, including five of the most-trafficked library branches. The City has also opened six enrollment centers for City agency clients in the Department of Probation and the Human Resources Administration. The 18th permanent public enrollment center will open in the spring, and two mobile locations will launch later in January to increase accessibility across the five boroughs.

The Mayor announced support for a municipal ID program during his campaign, and committed to delivering it by January 2015 in his first State of the City address. The New York City Council introduced legislation to create the municipal ID program in April 2014 and the law passed on June 26, 2014 by a vote of 43 in favor to 3 opposed, with 2 abstentions. The legislation signed into law on July 10, 2014 authorizes the City of New York to begin issuing IDNYC cards on January 10, 2015. In August of 2014, the Mayor issued an executive order designating HRA as the administering agency of the IDNYC initiative.

“I commend Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for today’s launch to bring IDNYC—our city’s new municipal identification program—to city residents. Today, more residents will be able to open bank accounts, qualify for affordable prescription medication, and more easily access government buildings and services. This unprecedented measure will allow thousands to further engage in the cultural, economic, and educational institutions that make our city great,” said Public Advocate Letitia James.

“A number of other cities have used resident identification cards for years, and with great success. I’m proud that we’re joining them,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “I look forward to working with Mayor de Blasio and the Council to maximize the benefits IDNYC can offer to all New Yorkers.”

“Today, New York City opens its welcoming arms to thousands of residents who have been sequestered to the shadows of our society. In addition to the numerous civic benefits it will provide, including greater access to many of our city’s cultural, financial and public health institutions, IDNYC is a key card that will unlock civic personhood for every New Yorker that enrolls. Where the federal government has been unable to act, our municipal government has taken bold and necessary action to make the five boroughs both safer and more vibrant. I am pleased that one of the enrollment centers is mere steps from Brooklyn Borough Hall, a central hub for our city’s largest borough, and I look forward to being one of the first to sign up for my own IDNYC, a proud badge of my residency in the greatest city on the globe,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

“I applaud the recent efforts of the Mayor and Speaker in their launch of a vital initiative that signals their commitment to equality, opportunity and diversity,” said Congressman Charles B. Rangel. “IDNYC will not only streamline the identification process for a variety of City services, but will also allow New Yorkers to obtain necessary identification, regardless of immigration or residential status. I wholeheartedly welcome this measure that places New York City ahead of the curve and helps enhance the lives of our constituents.”

“New York City, with the leadership of Mayor de Blasio and City Council Speaker Mark-Viverito, has extended its welcome to the millions of immigrants and their families who know this community as their own,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “By establishing a program of municipal identification cards that allow parents to visit their children at school and individuals to access critical government services, New York City has dedicated itself to their full participation in our civil society.”

“This innovative program will help make the lives of New Yorkers easier by providing them with access to institutions, services and discounts that were previously unavailable to them,” said Congressman José E. Serrano. “It will also facilitate their interaction with our local government, allowing it in turn to function more effectively and efficiently. I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s efforts to help ensure that everyone—regardless of social, economic or immigration status—can navigate New York trouble-free.”

“I applaud Mayor de Blasio’s initiative to issue proper identification free of charge to the public,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “IDs are an important cornerstone to our civic life. With these IDs, our entire community becomes safer, more accountable, and stronger. The Mayor’s leadership on this is a major step forward in the administration of public services in New York City and the nation as a whole.”

“Our city must be accessible to all New Yorkers, not just some,” said Congressman Joe Crowley. “This commonsense program will lift countless New Yorkers out of the shadows and ensure the integration of our most vulnerable communities. I thank the Mayor and City Council for ushering along this very important effort, and I look forward to New York City proving that we are at our best when everyone can participate.”

“The IDNYC card will deliver social and cultural benefits to New Yorkers, while simultaneously streamlining interactions with City agencies and entities,” said Congressman Eliot Engel. “I encourage any city resident 14 years of age or older to enroll in this free program.” 

“I applaud the Mayor and Speaker for launching this ambitious plan to create municipal ID cards. Having an official form of identification is essential in today’s society. It is a must for so many things, such as opening a bank account, entering public buildings, and accessing critical services and resources. Municipal ID will help improve the lives of thousands of New Yorkers, especially the most vulnerable in our city, and it will allow many to finally come out of the shadows. I thank the Mayor, Speaker, Councilman Dromm and Council Immigration Committee Chair Menchaca, and I am proud to support this important initiative,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng.

“The IDNYC program will significantly enhance the social and economic growth of immigrant communities in Upper Manhattan and throughout the city,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “By having sufficient identification to open up a bank account, New Yorkers can access the banking system to enhance their business, regardless of immigration status. I am looking forward to getting my IDNYC card to check out a library book and free access to the New York Botanical Garden.”

“For immigrant families whose undocumented status leaves them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by unethical employers, fraudsters, usurious payday lenders, and even violent criminals, IDNYC will be a lifeline out of the shadows,” said State Senator Jose Peralta. “Thanks to the leadership of Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito, and the hard work of countless other officials and advocates, the scope of New York’s municipal ID program will be such that all New Yorkers should apply for an IDNYC card. This is a proud day for the City of New York; a day on which we truly deserve to be called the land of hope and opportunity.”

“I applaud Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for the introduction and launch of this revolutionary IDNYC program,” said State Senator José M. Serrano. “IDNYC will allow all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, greater functionality in obtaining the services they need. Throughout my time as an elected official, I have fought for the protection of our immigrant community. I am proud to see that New York City is leading the way and providing a blueprint that hopefully the rest of the county will follow.”

“No one should be unable to have full and equal access to New York City’s cultural institutions and amenities because they lack identification,” said State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan. “However, the ability to fully enjoy and participate in the many unique experiences that this city embodies is a small part of what this new ID means for many New Yorkers, undocumented or not. The many opportunities that it offers, from access to business and personal capital, greater access to City agencies, and vital health care resources, will have a profound impact on our immigrant communities. I commend Mayor de Blasio for his vision and leadership on this issue, and thank the many cultural and financial institutions that helped make it a reality.”

“I am very happy that the IDNYC program will not only give all New Yorkers the opportunity to have a valid and safe form of identification, but also help open the doors of our City’s cultural institutions and a number of financial institutions,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “I commend Mayor de Blasio and his administration for implementing a comprehensive program that truly strives toward building a more equal city for all New Yorkers across various sectors in our society.”

“I commend the Mayor and the City Council for their exceptional focus and determination in ensuring that IDNYC will be the most robust, effective, universal and widely accepted form of municipal identification in the United States,” said State Senator Bill Perkins. “This is most welcome news to our constituents in the 30th Senatorial District—the card is a clear ‘win-win’ for all—with specific emphasis on our diverse immigrant population. It is my hope that IDNYC will represent a substantial and empowering step toward bringing individuals, families and whole immigrant communities out of the shadows and into the full light of equality in our society.” 

“The creation of New York City’s municipal ID card under the leadership of Mayor de Blasio is nothing short of a blessing for the hardworking immigrant families that make our city their home,” said Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, Chair of the New York State Assembly Task Force on New Americans. “For decades, immigrants have had a difficult time accessing banking services that allow them to create savings accounts, pay their bills, and build credit. But now, with over a dozen financial institutions moving to accept this ID as a legitimate government document, immigrants will have one less barrier to fully integrating into the society they have worked so hard to become a part of. I encourage all of New York City’s financial service institutions to accept the IDNYC and thank Mayor de Blasio for fulfilling his campaign promises on issues so important to the millions of immigrants who call New York City their home.”

“For too long, undocumented New Yorkers, the homeless, foster youth, and the elderly have been barred from or faced difficulty obtaining personal identification,” said Assembly Member Francisco Moya. “Living life without a form of identification creates enormous barriers to accomplishing mundane tasks, like opening a bank account or going to the doctor. We are all better off if all of our neighbors are able to access basic services. IDNYC will not only allow undocumented New Yorkers to step out of the shadows, it will allow all New Yorkers the opportunity to access IDNYC’s full suite of benefits. IDNYC will bring us one step closer to a New York where everyone has access to basic services.”

“The IDNYC card will help ensure New Yorkers get the most out of their city’s public services by creating a streamlined system for accessing and interacting with key institutions,” said Assembly Member Luis R. Sepulveda. “Local government, law enforcement agencies, hospitals and cultural institutions will recognize this new card, and there are plans to increase its functionality even further. This is an initiative which will ensure that our citizens have a simple method of accessing all the benefits available to them, without unnecessary headache and confusion. It’s a veritable key to the city."

“This is the perfect time to roll out the municipal ID card program,” said Assembly Member Felix W. Ortiz. “On the heels of President Obama’s recent immigration statement giving security to those living in fear of deportation, this new government-issued photo identification card will give peace of mind to thousands and myriad benefits to all New Yorkers. I am confident that the new card will have the added benefit of addressing some of the recent tensions between law enforcement and city residents.”

“The IDNYC program benefits immigrant New Yorkers by providing a means to interact with the city’s financial, cultural, and civic institutions in ways not previously possible for many,” said Assembly Member Guillermo Linares.

“As a city of immigrants, New York is home to a significant immigrant population who deserve proper identification,” said Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez. “This municipal ID card will provide access to a broad range of services to the undocumented and provide access to important opportunities for these community members.”

“The Federation is delighted to be working with IDNYC to connect New Yorkers with the safe, affordable financial services that credit unions provide,” said Cathie Mahon, President and CEO of the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions. “Starting today, New Yorkers who may have previously been unbanked can open checking and savings accounts, begin to grow and protect their assets, and access credit at the fair rates and in the safe environment of a credit union.”

“We’re proud to stand with Mayor de Blasio and announce today that Amalgamated Bank will accept the new municipal ID card as identification at all of our retail branches across the city,” said Amalgamated Bank President and CEO Keith Mestrich. “Amalgamated’s mission is to make sure everyone has access to affordable banking services and the opportunity to achieve financial stability; this new, free ID is an important way to reach communities that are so often left out or face barriers to high-quality financial services.”

“We are pleased to partner with the administration and the City on IDNYC,” said Jack Lund, President & CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. "This initiative will offer the security and sense of community all New Yorkers need and deserve. The Y remains committed to New York’s most vulnerable, and in turn, we hope that all IDNYC recipients take full advantage of the benefits the card affords, including access to our New Americans Welcome Center, Y Roads Centers and Family Membership Discounts.”

“The IDNYC program will be an invaluable resource for the city’s over eight million residents, and we are proud to be a participating and supporting vendor,” said Ken Barrows, Vice President of Leisure Pass North America, LLC, parent company of New York Pass. “Municipal card holders will be able to purchase a New York Pass at a special rate and enjoy discounts at partner restaurants, retailers and Broadway Shows, and a variety of cultural excursions that give New Yorkers the chance to discover some of the Big Apple’s hidden treasures right in their own backyard.”

“The Entertainment Benefits Group is proud to support the City of New York and connect IDNYC card holders with the technology to inspire New Yorkers to experience extraordinary entertainment perks in New York, as well as other amazing benefits,” said Stephanie Baker, Senior Vice President, Marketing, EBG.

“Through our partnership with IDNYC, Food Bazaar Supermarket will offer New Yorkers fresh, delicious, affordable groceries with great customer care at all of our NYC locations. We are truly excited to be a part of this initiative,” said Spencer An, CEO at Bogopa Service Corp.

“As a longstanding community bank, Carver Federal Savings Bank is pleased to support the IDNYC card initiative. Carver recognizes the IDNYC card is an important step toward access to mainstream banking services for many unbanked New Yorkers,” said Michael T. Pugh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Carver Federal Savings Bank.

The City will protect the confidentiality of all IDNYC card applications and will not ask applicants about their immigration status. For more information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers and more, applicants can visit: nyc.gov/idnyc.

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