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
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
What is the goal of safety net programs?
How the Upward Mobility Act would work
The Upward Mobility Act explained
The Upward Mobility Act | Sen. Husted & Rep. Moore
Insights & Takeaways
CommentaryElevating principles, strengthening families and serving Utah
I 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.
CommentaryUtah has led the nation on upward mobility. Here’s the next step
Securing 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 that is well-intentioned, and has helped many families, but has yet to fully realize the aspirational intent of the war on poverty.
CommentaryCongress should empower states to fix benefit cliffs
The fear of such cliffs discourages low-income families across the country from taking steps that would otherwise help them gradually move out of poverty.
CommentaryOpportunity, 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 the deeply American principles of work, independence and compassion.
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
Empowerment 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 benefit.
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
This 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.
CommentaryElevating principles, strengthening families and serving Utah
I 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.
CommentaryUtah has led the nation on upward mobility. Here’s the next step
Securing 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 that is well-intentioned, and has helped many families, but has yet to fully realize the aspirational intent of the war on poverty.
CommentaryCongress should empower states to fix benefit cliffs
The fear of such cliffs discourages low-income families across the country from taking steps that would otherwise help them gradually move out of poverty.