Sen. Bernie Moreno contests Cincinnati’s new DEI purchasing policy

Moreno Questions Cincinnati’s New DEI Ordinance

Senator Bernie Moreno from Ohio has raised concerns with Cincinnati’s mayor about a recently passed city ordinance. This ordinance reorganizes procurement processes under the Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno argues taxpayers shouldn’t finance what he describes as an expanding DEI bureaucracy, which he believes may be unconstitutional.

In his letter to Mayor Aftab Pureval, obtained by Fox News Digital, Moreno stated, “Taxpayers should never foot the bill for woke DEI policies and initiatives.” He emphasized the need for a government that prioritizes merit over political quotas based on demographics.

The issue stems from a city ordinance approved by the Cincinnati City Council in June, which established the Office of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno contends this could lead to an expansion of DEI considerations within the city’s contracting procedures. According to city documents referenced by Moreno, this change aims to enhance the efficiency of contracting while also maintaining a focus on DEI.

In a separate letter to the Justice Department, he claimed that the ordinance contradicts earlier guidance aimed at preventing unlawful discrimination and was initiated during the Trump administration’s efforts to curb DEI initiatives.

Moreno mentioned that under President Trump, there has been a strong push to eliminate DEI programs and related practices within federal agencies. He asserted, “The days of selecting public contract winners based on merit are back,” highlighting the importance of better management of public funds in Cincinnati.

Referring to the city’s rationale for the ordinance, Moreno pointed out that the city plans to maintain its focus on DEI despite the reorganization. He noted, “Surprisingly, your office acknowledges that in its explanation: ‘The purpose of this realignment is not to diminish the city’s focus on inclusivity, but rather to strengthen it.’” He believes citizens deserve assurances that their tax dollars are allocated based on merit rather than ethnicity.

He has requested that Mayor Pureval respond within five business days regarding how much federal funding the city expects in the upcoming fiscal years, along with the estimated costs associated with the ordinance. Additionally, Moreno asked for insight into the contracting review process and how the city intends to follow DOJ guidelines while addressing its budget deficit and public safety issues.

Moreno criticized the new ordinance as a “gross misallocation of resources,” especially in light of rising violent crime rates and challenges in law enforcement recruitment. He argued these funds should prioritize public safety instead of contributing to what he sees as a divisive social initiative.