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
CommentaryLet states fix the welfare system that Washington broke
The Upward Mobility Act takes an essential step toward eliminating benefit cliffs, thus reducing government dependence and promoting self-reliance.
CommentaryTo restore hope for families in poverty, let states lead on welfare reform
America’s welfare system often penalizes work and marriage through benefits cliffs. States can lead reforms that help families escape poverty.
CommentaryThe One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s work-based welfare reforms are just the first step
Utah’s “one-door” model for welfare and workforce services shows how states can drive innovation in social welfare reform. Congress and the President should empower states to reduce dependence and promote lasting self-reliance.
TakeawaysRepresentatives Moore and Owens partake in 2025 Congressional Series
The 2025 Sutherland Institute Congressional Series kicked off with Reps. Blake Moore and Burgess Owens. They discussed the One Big, Beautiful Bill and achieving one’s potential.
Press ReleaseSutherland releases new report on construction workforce shortages
If our state’s future rests on our ability and commitment to build – houses, families, communities, and opportunities – then we must first ensure we have willing hands to do this work.
CommentaryWhat both sides are missing about Medicaid work requirements
The real question isn’t whether to link work with Medicaid; it’s how to help more Americans use safety net programs as a bridge to financial independence.
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.