Moreno Demands 5-Day Answers on Cincinnati DEI Ordinance as City Faces $30 Million Deficit
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 2
Moreno Demands 5-Day Answers on Cincinnati DEI Ordinance as City Faces $30 Million Deficit
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 2
Summary
Bernie Moreno gave Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval five business days to detail a June ordinance that created a Department of Economic Inclusion and Procurement, calling the expansion of DEI in contracting potentially illegal.
The Ohio senator asked for the city's federal funding totals for fiscal 2024, 2025 and 2026, the ordinance's projected cost, and the exact process the new department will use to review applications and award contracts.
Moreno's letter, also sent to the Justice Department, argues the ordinance conflicts with Trump administration and DOJ moves against DEI programs because city documents say the restructuring is meant to strengthen—not reduce—its focus on inclusion.
He tied the challenge to Cincinnati's broader finances and safety pressures, saying the city should address a $30 million budget deficit, violent crime and police staffing shortages instead of expanding DEI bureaucracy.