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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CommentaryRepublicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliation
Read More: Republicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliationUnlocking upward mobility for millions of struggling people who feel trapped on government assistance also requires reevaluating the government-constructed barriers that can disincentivize people from working or pursuing professional advancement.
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TakeawaysLegislative wrap-up: Five key victories for Utahns
Read More: Legislative wrap-up: Five key victories for UtahnsSutherland worked closely with Utah policymakers to protect and strengthen the important pillars of faith, family and freedom.
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CommentaryNew Evidence on the Social Safety Net, Marriage, and Work
Read More: New Evidence on the Social Safety Net, Marriage, and WorkAny policy intervention to address benefits cliffs, plateaus, or other disincentives needs to first seek to identify where there are perception gaps vs. structural gaps in the social safety net.
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CommentarySafety net or snare? Reassessing the impact of public assistance
Read More: Safety net or snare? Reassessing the impact of public assistanceIf you work harder and earn more, your family should be better off. But for some recipients of public benefits, the opposite might happen.
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Press ReleaseSutherland Institute joins Alliance for Opportunity
Read More: Sutherland Institute joins Alliance for OpportunitySutherland Institute announced today that it has joined the Alliance for Opportunity, a coalition of state think tanks dedicated to advancing upward mobility and reducing poverty.
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Press Release
Sutherland Institute Announces New Policy Focus; Nic Dunn Adds New Role as Senior Fellow
Read More: Sutherland Institute Announces New Policy Focus; Nic Dunn Adds New Role as Senior FellowSutherland Institute announced today an elevated focus on upward mobility policies, led by Nic Dunn in a new role as vice president of strategy and senior fellow.
