This is the problem, we don't agree on the solution. You said
e hostile policy positions towards social safety nets and foundational services (e.g. education, healthcare, childcare??).
Except the USA spends more on education than most other countries.
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cmd/education-exp...
That would argue the issue is not about spending, at least for education, it's something else (not sure what)
I agree though on the general idea that something has to change. Housing in unaffordable.