Mayor Bill de Blasio announces launch of ‘ambitious’ ID program
On January 12, 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 de Blasio. “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.”
De Blasio 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.
“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 have called (this card) the ‘must-have accessory for all New Yorkers in 2015.’”
“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,” 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,” said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy.
“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.”