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
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
Rep. Blake Moore: Rethinking the safety net to promote upward mobility
How the Upward Mobility Act would work
The Upward Mobility Act explained
Insights & Takeaways
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.
CommentaryGeographic mobility: Its promises and discontents
The constitutional values of faith, family and freedom engender an interconnected populace, intergenerational strength and a robust civil society. Were there a restoration of these pillars of culture, more places would feel like home.
CommentaryThirty Years After Welfare Reform, It’s Time for the Next Generation of State-Led Solutions
Congress should act now to ensure that the next phase of reform is once again state-led and work-centered.
ReportThe Upward Mobility Act: A state solutions framework for benefit cliffs
America’s social welfare system is intended to provide needed, temporary stabilization to families striving to escape poverty, while helping them move back into stable employment and self-reliance.
InsightsUtah lawmakers can still achieve pro-marriage, pro-family tax reform
By aligning marriage penalty reform with Child Tax Credit expansion, Utah can deliver meaningful, pro-family tax relief this legislative session.
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.