Senator Bernie Moreno, a Republican representing Ohio, has formally questioned Cincinnati's mayor regarding a recently adopted city ordinance that restructures procurement under a new Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno argues that this initiative constitutes an expansion of what he terms a 'DEI bureaucracy,' which he believes may be unlawful and an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, particularly given the city's current challenges with violent crime and a substantial budget shortfall.
The ordinance, passed by the Cincinnati City Council in June, establishes the Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. City documents cited by Moreno indicate that the restructuring aims to enhance efficiency in the city’s contracting process while maintaining its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). However, Senator Moreno asserts that this move could embed DEI considerations into the municipal contracting and awarding procedures.
In correspondence also directed to the Justice Department, Senator Moreno highlighted that this ordinance emerges as the Trump administration intensifies its scrutiny of DEI programs across federal agencies. He contended that the city's action appears to 'completely ignore' existing Justice Department guidance cautioning against practices that could constitute 'unlawful discrimination.'
Upon returning to office, former President Donald Trump has prioritized the elimination of DEI initiatives. His administration has issued executive orders to dismantle DEI programs, halt DEI-related hiring and training, and instructed federal agencies to review all recipients of federal funding for compliance.
Moreno stated his belief that "the days of choosing public contract winners based on excellence are back," emphasizing that "the City of Cincinnati must be a better steward of public funds."
The Senator further pointed to the city’s own explanation of the ordinance, noting its stated intention to continue integrating DEI principles into its contracting. He quoted, "Amazingly, your office even admits it in its explanation: ‘The goal of this restructuring is not to reduce the city's focus on inclusion. Instead, it is intended to strengthen it.’"
Moreno reiterated his demand that "Ohioans deserve to know that their hard-earned taxpayer dollars are awarded to individuals and businesses based on merit, not race or ethnicity."
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
In his letter, Senator Moreno requested a response from Mayor Pureval within five business days. He sought detailed information including the precise amount of federal funding Cincinnati received during fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026, the anticipated financial cost of implementing the new ordinance, and a comprehensive outline of the processes the new department will employ when evaluating applications and awarding city contracts.
Moreno also asked for clarification on how Cincinnati plans to ensure compliance with the Justice Department’s guidance. Furthermore, he requested recent data concerning law enforcement staffing in the city, underscoring his view that Cincinnati should prioritize addressing its $30 million budget deficit and pressing public safety issues over expanding DEI initiatives.
Prioritizing Public Safety Over Social Initiatives
The Senator underscored that the adoption of this ordinance represents a significant misallocation of resources, occurring at a time when "the city faces a surge in violent crime, including multiple recent homicides, a mass shooting, and a persistent law enforcement recruitment crisis that undermines public safety."
Moreno concluded by asserting that instead of "fueling divisive social experiments," these public funds should be reallocated to "protecting Cincinnatians and restoring order to Ohio’s streets."
