Policy
Work & Opportunity
At the core of the American Dream is the belief that hard work and commitment can yield a better life, the pursuit of which is possible thanks to the American free enterprise system – the greatest engine of prosperity in the history of humanity. But too many Americans striving to escape poverty still face obstacles to realizing that dream.
Through the Work & Opportunity Initiative, Sutherland Institute seeks to remove barriers or disincentives to work and other opportunities for economic progression that affect families in Utah and beyond. Landmark research, compelling multimedia, powerful storytelling and strategic partnerships combine to advance policy reforms that make the American Dream more attainable – protecting Utah and the United States as the land of opportunity for generations to come.
Research & Events
Conversations
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Rep. Blake Moore: Rethinking the safety net to promote upward mobility
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How the Upward Mobility Act would work
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The Upward Mobility Act explained
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The Upward Mobility Act | Sen. Husted & Rep. Moore
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How to fix America’s welfare system
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Why the safety net can discourage work
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A safety net without a shared vision
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The welfare maze no one can navigate | Clarence H. Carter
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Accountable federalism could be a pathway to better government programs
Insights & Takeaways
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CommentaryThe war on poverty we never finished
Read More: The war on poverty we never finishedIt is as timely as it is necessary for state and federal leaders to advance a new social welfare reform movement that can finally realize the vision of America’s war…
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FederalNic Dunn Statement for the Record: Welfare Reform at 30: Restoring the Promise of Work and Personal Responsibility in Federal Welfare Programs
Read More: Nic Dunn Statement for the Record: Welfare Reform at 30: Restoring the Promise of Work and Personal Responsibility in Federal Welfare ProgramsThe solution to these challenges lies in the already proven model of welfare reform: unleashing state-led innovation that prioritizes pro-work, pro-family reforms that are temporary, targeted, and fiscally responsible.
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CommentaryElevating principles, strengthening families and serving Utah
Read More: Elevating principles, strengthening families and serving UtahI am eager to lead Sutherland into its next chapter by expanding our outreach, cultivating the next generation of liberty-minded leaders, and helping craft thoughtful policy solutions for Utah’s future.
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CommentaryUtah has led the nation on upward mobility. Here’s the next step
Read More: Utah has led the nation on upward mobility. Here’s the next stepSecuring Utah, and America, as the land of opportunity for future generations requires thinking in aspirational terms. It’s more than simply “tinkering” with existing programs — it’s transforming a system…
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CommentaryCongress should empower states to fix benefit cliffs
Read More: Congress should empower states to fix benefit cliffsThe fear of such cliffs discourages low-income families across the country from taking steps that would otherwise help them gradually move out of poverty.
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CommentaryOpportunity, not outrage, should define America’s next chapter. Utah can lead the way.
Read More: Opportunity, not outrage, should define America’s next chapter. Utah can lead the way.Moving toward a streamlined social welfare system that helps struggling families while better supporting the goal of work and independence, as envisioned in the war on poverty, is grounded in…
