Newark City Council Mulling Plan For Municipal ID Program
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Newark could be the first city in NJ to implement a municipal ID program.
For supporters of a municipal ID, the goal is simple.
"It ensures that everyone who lives in Newark gets access to all the benefits of the city," Udi Ofer said, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey.
Ofer said the basic framework for the ID would be similar to that of New York's, however with perhaps even tighter confidentiality provisions.
"Too many people, whether in the city of Newark or anywhere else across the country, have to live in the shadows when they don't have access to basic identification," Ofer told WCBS 880's Jim Smith.
Newark City Council is now debating the plan put forth by Mayor Ras Baraka.
Some say they generally support the idea, but have questions about the fine print, cost and process, Smith reported.
The mayor's staff plans to provide answers at a meeting on Tuesday.