Sen. Bernie Moreno Questions Cincinnati’s New Economic Inclusion Ordinance

Sen. Bernie Moreno from Ohio is seeking clarification from Cincinnati’s Mayor Aftab Pureval regarding a new city ordinance. This ordinance changes procurement processes under a new Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno argues taxpayers shouldn’t fund an increasing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) bureaucracy, which might be illegal.

In a letter sent to the mayor, Moreno stated, “Taxpayers should never foot the bill for woke DEI policies or initiatives.” The letter was also sent to the Justice Department and obtained by Fox News Digital. Moreno emphasized that the city’s taxpayers deserve a government prioritizing competence and merit over race or ethnicity-based quotas.

The ordinance, approved in June by the Cincinnati City Council, creates the Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno believes this expands the city’s DEI bureaucracy, potentially influencing contracting processes. Despite restructuring claims making processes more efficient, DEI considerations remain at the forefront.

Moreno pointed out that the ordinance was created amidst the Trump administration’s efforts to limit DEI programs across the federal government, which could contradict Justice Department guidelines against unlawful discrimination.

Since returning to office, President Donald Trump has prioritized eliminating DEI initiatives. He issued executive orders to cut DEI programs, related hiring, and training practices, and directed agencies to audit federal funding recipients.

Moreno underlined the importance of awarding public contracts based on excellence, stating, “The days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back.” He added that Cincinnati should better manage public funds.

According to Moreno, the city’s ordinance aims to strengthen rather than reduce focus on inclusion in contracting. He called for transparency on taxpayer dollars, saying, “Ohioans deserve to know that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are awarded to individuals and businesses based on merit, not race or ethnicity.” Moreno demanded a response within five business days detailing federal funding received for fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the ordinance’s projected cost, and the department’s application review and contract awarding process.

Additional concerns include Cincinnati complying with Justice Department guidance and addressing pressing budget deficits and public safety challenges. Moreno criticized resource allocation, highlighting recent violent crimes, a mass shooting, recruitment issues in law enforcement, and the $30 million budget deficit.

Moreno urged redirecting public funds towards safeguarding citizens and restoring order, rather than supporting divisive social strategies. Fox News Digital contacted Mayor Pureval’s office for comments.

Reporter Andrew Mark Miller contributed to this report. Contact him on Twitter @andymarkmiller or email tips to [email protected].