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.
Conversations
The information gap of safety net benefits
The unintended disincentive to work
What is a benefits plateau?
Work Disincentives and the Safety Net: Insights from the Atlanta Fed's Alex Ruder
Utah's safety net secret: The 'One Door' model
Social safety net in action
How families experience benefits cliffs
Rep. Blake Moore on benefits cliffs
What is a benefits cliff?
The information gap of safety net benefits
The unintended disincentive to work
What is a benefits plateau?
Insights & Takeaways
Sutherland 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.
Helping Utah’s upward mobility go from good to great
Sutherland research on benefits cliffs adds momentum to local and national interest in reforming the social safety net.
How to strengthen the American Dream for Utah families who feel stuck on the social safety net
It 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.
Sutherland Announces New Collaboration with Utah Governor’s Office, Key Partners to Pursue Social Safety Net Reform
Sutherland Institute announced the creation of a new working group to pursue policy reforms that strengthen the transition from government assistance to self-reliance.
Sutherland launches Work & Opportunity Initiative with new research
The 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.
Removing work disincentives in the social safety net will strengthen upward mobility and the economy
Policymakers should first look to the states as engines of innovation and reform.
Sutherland 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.
Helping Utah’s upward mobility go from good to great
Sutherland research on benefits cliffs adds momentum to local and national interest in reforming the social safety net.
How to strengthen the American Dream for Utah families who feel stuck on the social safety net
It 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.