How states can redesign the safety net | Aly Rau Brodsky

How states can redesign the safety net | Aly Rau Brodsky

From Defending Ideas by Sutherland Institute

April 21, 2026 · 55 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how states can redesign the safety net to improve upward mobility and support families.

America’s safety net is designed to help people in times of need. But what happens after that initial help is provided? On this episode of Defending Ideas, host Nic Dunn is joined by Aly Rau Brodsky , executive vice president and chief strategy officer at the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity , to explore how states can improve upward mobility and better support families. Their conversation examines the gaps in the current system, the “one door to work” progress in Louisiana, and how connecting social services with workforce development can help individuals move from temporary assistance to long-term independence and human flourishing. 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.

People in this episode

Host: Nic Dunn

Guest: Aly Rau Brodsky

Topics covered

  • safety net
  • upward mobility
  • social services
  • workforce development
  • family support

Keywords

  • safety net
  • upward mobility
  • social services
  • workforce development
  • temporary assistance
  • long-term independence

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity, Sutherland Institute

Places: Louisiana

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