A Path Toward Inclusivity: St. Louis Bill BB137 and the Gateway Card Initiative
12/4/24 Update:
At their December 3rd meeting the City of St. Louis Board of Aldermen Legislation and Rules Committee unanimously passed BB137 out of committee. It will now move to the full board of Aldermen for a vote.
Fox 2 Now reported:
“Gateway Cards would be free to residents of St. Louis City. It would not replace drivers licenses or other ID’s used for voting, purchasing age-restricted products, or be valid for presence of status.
Validity of the ID would last five years for minors, 10 years for adults under 65 years old, and indefinitely for those over 65 years old.
According to the bill introduction, the initiative would be funded through a series of grants, private partnerships, and general revenue funds. It is estimated the program to cost around $270,000 over the first three years for staffing salaries with four employees and start-up costs. That budget also includes the making of 7,500 cards per year, Velazquez said.”
Read the full news story here.
11/25/24
St. Louis is advancing equity and access with Board Bill 137 (BB137), which proposes the creation of the Gateway Card, a municipal identification program for city residents. The bill, introduced by Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez November 22, 2024, aims to address barriers faced by residents who lack access to state or federal identification. Here's what the Gateway Card could mean for St. Louis:
Key Features of the Gateway Card
Universal Identification: The Gateway Card would serve as a valid form of identification for all city residents, regardless of immigration status, housing situation, or financial standing.
Enhanced Accessibility: Holders would gain access to vital city services, such as libraries, recreation programs, and public transit discounts.
Economic Empowerment: The card could enable residents to open bank accounts, sign leases, and participate more fully in the city’s economic life.
Why BB137 Matters
Many St. Louisans face challenges in accessing essential services due to a lack of identification. BB137 is a bold step to bridge that gap, fostering inclusivity and community engagement. It reflects a broader trend seen in cities like New York and Oakland, where municipal IDs have been successful in building trust and reducing barriers for vulnerable populations.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the Gateway Card promises to improve accessibility, implementing such a program requires careful planning to address privacy concerns and ensure equitable rollout. Lessons from other cities underscore the importance of protecting residents' data and engaging community stakeholders.
The Vision for St. Louis
If passed, BB137 could make St. Louis a leader in inclusive urban policy, helping all residents feel connected to their city. By prioritizing accessibility, the Gateway Card aligns with the city’s goal of fostering a more equitable and resilient community.
For more details, review the full text of Board Bill 137 and the FAQs from the office of Daniela Velazquez, Alderwoman of the 6th Ward of the City of St. Louis.
