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
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.
TakeawaysHelping 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.
CommentaryHow 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.
Press ReleaseSutherland 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.
Press ReleaseSutherland 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.
CommentaryRemoving 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.
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.