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
-
Rep. Blake Moore: Rethinking the safety net to promote upward mobility
-
How the Upward Mobility Act would work
-
The Upward Mobility Act explained
-
The Upward Mobility Act | Sen. Husted & Rep. Moore
-
How to fix America’s welfare system
-
Why the safety net can discourage work
-
A safety net without a shared vision
-
The welfare maze no one can navigate | Clarence H. Carter
-
Accountable federalism could be a pathway to better government programs
Insights & Takeaways
-
TakeawaysHelping Utah’s upward mobility go from good to great
Read More: Helping Utah’s upward mobility go from good to greatSutherland research on benefits cliffs adds momentum to local and national interest in reforming the social safety net.
-
CommentaryHow to strengthen the American Dream for Utah families who feel stuck on the social safety net
Read More: How to strengthen the American Dream for Utah families who feel stuck on the social safety netIt is essential that any discussion of refining the social safety net begins from the foundation of Utah’s unique advantages and strengths as a place of opportunity.
-
Press ReleaseSutherland Announces New Collaboration with Utah Governor’s Office, Key Partners to Pursue Social Safety Net Reform
Read More: Sutherland Announces New Collaboration with Utah Governor’s Office, Key Partners to Pursue Social Safety Net ReformSutherland Institute announced the creation of a new working group to pursue policy reforms that strengthen the transition from government assistance to self-reliance.
-
Press Release
Sutherland launches Work & Opportunity Initiative with new research
Read More: Sutherland launches Work & Opportunity Initiative with new researchThe primary goal of the Work & Opportunity Initiative is to identify and address any barriers to upward mobility experienced by Utah families, especially those striving to escape poverty.
-
ReportStrengthening the American Dream: Addressing benefits cliffs to empower safety net participants to pursue work and opportunity
Read More: Strengthening the American Dream: Addressing benefits cliffs to empower safety net participants to pursue work and opportunityThe disincentives to work and pursue opportunity experienced by some participants of the social safety net are stifling the American Dream for too many families in Utah and beyond.
-
CommentaryRemoving work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy
Read More: Removing work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economyPolicymakers should first look to the states as engines of innovation and reform.
