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.
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
Work disincentives and benefits cliffs – an explainer #utpol
Finding innovative ways to help all Americans achieve success #utpol #hardwork
How tax cuts empower people #utpol
Rep. Kennedy on hard work and investing in yourself #utpol #hardwork
Why Rep. Mike Kennedy Says Welfare Needs Stronger Work Requirements
Limiting the fine print in safety net programs #utpol
Families in poverty create opportunities, not liabilities #utpol
The true goal of safety net programs #utpol
Making safety net programs more efficient #utpol
Work disincentives and benefits cliffs – an explainer #utpol
Finding innovative ways to help all Americans achieve success #utpol #hardwork
How tax cuts empower people #utpol
Insights & Takeaways
CommentaryRepublicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliation
Unlocking 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.
TakeawaysLegislative wrap-up: Five key victories for Utahns
Sutherland worked closely with Utah policymakers to protect and strengthen the important pillars of faith, family and freedom.
CommentaryNew Evidence on the Social Safety Net, Marriage, and Work
Any 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.
CommentarySafety net or snare? Reassessing the impact of public assistance
If you work harder and earn more, your family should be better off. But for some recipients of public benefits, the opposite might happen.
Press ReleaseSutherland Institute joins Alliance for Opportunity
Sutherland 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.
Press ReleaseSutherland Institute Announces New Policy Focus; Nic Dunn Adds New Role as Senior Fellow
Sutherland 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.
CommentaryRepublicans should address welfare’s work disincentives in budget reconciliation
Unlocking 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.
TakeawaysLegislative wrap-up: Five key victories for Utahns
Sutherland worked closely with Utah policymakers to protect and strengthen the important pillars of faith, family and freedom.
CommentaryNew Evidence on the Social Safety Net, Marriage, and Work
Any 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.