Moreno Questions Cincinnati DEI Procurement Ordinance

Sen. Bernie Moreno, an Ohio Republican, is pressing Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval for answers over a new city ordinance that creates a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement. Moreno says the change could expand DEIrelated bureaucracy and may conflict with federal guidance. In a letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Moreno argued that public contracting should be based on merit and efficiency rather than race or ethnicitybased preferences. He also asked the city to explain how much federal funding it received in recent fiscal years, how much the new setup will cost, and how contracts will be reviewed under the ordinance. The Cincinnati City Council approved the ordinance in June, and city documents say the restructuring is intended to improve procurement efficiency while keeping a focus on inclusion. Moreno, however, said the city should prioritize its budget deficit, staffing needs, and public safety concerns as violent crime remains a challenge in Cincinnati.