Is work a punishment or a blessing? This question is often at the heart of debates about how to help people striving to get out of poverty as well as discussions on the role of things like work requirements. Utah has an answer to this question, and on this episode we explain why many other states are looking to Utah's unique approach to welfare and workforce development.

Nic Dunn sits down with two different guests this week to discuss "The Utah Model" and how the way government programs are set up can either help or hurt those working to escape poverty.

Mason Bishop is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the principal and owner of WorkED Consulting. He is the author of "The Utah Model," an AEI paper that outlines why Utah's approach to colocating safety net programs and workforce development resources under one state agency has benefited Utahns. Mason also outlines why this is the only one of its kind throughout the nation and why other states are taking interest.

Nate McDonald is the former deputy director for the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

Show notes:

• The Utah Model: Workforce Programs and Services Integration Tool Kit | American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• Reform This Workforce Law and Bring on State Policy Entrepreneurs | American Enterprise Institute - AEI
• Why America needs a new welfare reform movement - Sutherland Institute
• Department of Workforce Services (utah.gov)

Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, equipping listeners to become more effective champions of sound principle and good policy. Visit defendingideas.org.




Defending Ideas is a weekly podcast produced by Sutherland Institute. On this show, we are committed to renewing the principles of common sense conservatism, making you a better champion of sound ideas. Visit defendingideas.org.