Imagine not having an ID – nothing to help you get a job, home or bank account. Thousands of people face that challenge in Hartford, but now a breakthrough program is on the table.
Mayor Pedro Segarra is propsing the Hartford Municipal ID, an ordinance that would provide city residents with identity cards that would help them obtain services like banking, housing and employment.
"It’s an opportunity for many in our cities who currently don’t have the opportunities because we want to have a city that expands its services and its opportunities to all that are within our city," Segarra said as he announced the plan to the public Thursday afternoon.
There will be some requirements if the program is implemented. Applicants must have proof of identity, including a U.S. or foreign passport or birth certificate, driver’s license, social security card or EBT card.
The person must also have a proof of residency, such as a utility bill, property lease, property tax statement, employee pay stub or written verification by a hospital or social services agency.
"Our proposal emphasizes a sense of unity in pride in Hartford," said Segarra.
The program would benefit people such as Edwin Fericiano, who has been homeless the last five years and does not have a Connecticut ID.
Fericiano said it’s been difficult to get one.
"'Go to this agency. Go to this person.' All the time it’s like that. You know, it’s way too hard for me to get one when I want to get it," said Fericiano.
Segarra said all Hartford residents will be eligible to receive IDs, including the homeless, transgender population, youth in the foster system, those who were incarcerated and undocumented immigrants.
The proposed fee will be $15 for adults and $10 for those under the age of 18.
The proposal will go before the next city council meeting and will also be taken up at a public forum May 18.
The city of New Haven has used a similar program since 2007. Since then, it has issued about 12,000 cards.
