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
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.
ReportStrengthening the American Dream: Addressing benefits cliffs to empower safety net participants to pursue work and opportunity
The disincentives to work and pursue opportunity experienced by some participants of the social safety net are stifling the American Dream for too many families in Utah and beyond.
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.
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.