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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Press ReleaseNew Sutherland Institute report and polling show strong, bipartisan support for state innovation and “Empowerment Accounts” to simplify the safety net, lift people out of poverty
Read More: New Sutherland Institute report and polling show strong, bipartisan support for state innovation and “Empowerment Accounts” to simplify the safety net, lift people out of povertyEmpowerment accounts are a concept that would consolidate funding from multiple federal assistance programs – such as SNAP, TANF, child care assistance, and housing vouchers – into one streamlined, work-focused…
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FederalNic Dunn written testimony for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Examining the Burden of Federal Benefits Cliffs on Small Businesses and Workers
Read More: Nic Dunn written testimony for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Examining the Burden of Federal Benefits Cliffs on Small Businesses and WorkersThis shortcoming not only limits the capacity of American families to achieve work-based independence, it also constrains our nation’s economy by adding to workforce challenges employers face.
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CommentaryGeographic mobility: Its promises and discontents
Read More: Geographic mobility: Its promises and discontentsThe constitutional values of faith, family and freedom engender an interconnected populace, intergenerational strength and a robust civil society. Were there a restoration of these pillars of culture, more places…
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CommentaryThirty Years After Welfare Reform, It’s Time for the Next Generation of State-Led Solutions
Read More: Thirty Years After Welfare Reform, It’s Time for the Next Generation of State-Led SolutionsCongress should act now to ensure that the next phase of reform is once again state-led and work-centered.
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ReportThe Upward Mobility Act: A state solutions framework for benefit cliffs
Read More: The Upward Mobility Act: A state solutions framework for benefit cliffsAmerica’s social welfare system is intended to provide needed, temporary stabilization to families striving to escape poverty, while helping them move back into stable employment and self-reliance.
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InsightsUtah lawmakers can still achieve pro-marriage, pro-family tax reform
Read More: Utah lawmakers can still achieve pro-marriage, pro-family tax reformBy aligning marriage penalty reform with Child Tax Credit expansion, Utah can deliver meaningful, pro-family tax relief this legislative session.
