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
CommentaryReforming welfare and workforce policy elevates work
The success of the Utah model doesn’t mean the state is perfect; there are certainly still opportunities to improve how we help people get out and stay out of poverty. But there is no sustained path out of poverty that doesn’t include a meaningful connection to work.
CommentaryThe ‘success sequence’ is a bipartisan vision for upward mobility. Policymakers should embrace it
In our polarized political environment, it’s not often that an idea garners majority support across party affiliation, ideology, and demographic differences. New Sutherland Institute polling shows that the success sequence is just such a concept with broad resonance among likely voters in Utah.
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.