America at a Crossroads: What the Public Should Know About the Economy and Federal Government
Most people are busy working, raising families, and trying to survive day to day. But while we’re focused on the daily grind, major changes are happening in our economy and government that could affect all of us for years to come. If we don’t pay attention now, we may end up paying a higher price later.
Let’s break down the most urgent issues the public should be watching closely.
The cost of living is rising. Even though inflation has slowed compared to 2022, prices are still up over 20% since 2020 across categories like food, housing, and transportation. A 2025 survey found that 61% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, and nearly half say they cannot afford a $500 emergency. Wages simply haven’t kept pace.
Housing is a full-blown crisis. The average price of a home in the U.S. is now over $420,000, and rents have increased by more than 30% in many cities over the last five years. First-time homebuyers are being shut out, and millions are struggling to keep up with rent.
Meanwhile, the U.S. national debt has passed $34 trillion, with over $1 trillion per year going just to interest payments. That means less funding for things that truly help families — like education, public health, and infrastructure. Yet we continue to spend over $800 billion a year on defense, while schools and communities go underfunded.
Job security is also at risk. Thanks to automation and AI, it’s estimated that 25% of U.S. jobs could be disrupted or replaced by 2030, especially in transportation, retail, and customer service. Companies are cutting labor costs, and workers who don’t retrain are getting left behind.
Then there’s student debt. Over 43 million Americans owe a combined $1.6 trillion in student loans, and despite recent relief efforts, many borrowers have resumed payments in 2024. The average student loan debt per borrower is over $37,000. With the high cost of living, this burden is keeping people from buying homes, starting families, or building wealth.
In Washington, things are just as troubling. Congress has faced multiple near-shutdowns in the past few years due to partisan gridlock. Public confidence is eroding — in fact, only 16% of Americans say they trust the federal government to do what is right “most of the time.”
Meanwhile, lobbyists and wealthy donors continue to shape policy. In 2023 alone, more than $4 billion was spent on lobbying, mostly by corporations and special interest groups. At the same time, 91 of the Fortune 500 companies paid $0 in federal taxes in recent years — while working people foot the bill.
And let’s not forget the prison system. The U.S. has more than 2 million people behind bars — more than any other country in the world. Private prison companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group profit off incarceration, with Black Americans incarcerated at nearly 5 times the rate of White Americans.
These issues may feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. The more we understand how policies affect our wallets, our families, and our future, the more prepared we are to vote, speak up, and demand better.
We all want the same things: a chance to work hard and build a good life. But that won’t happen unless we stay informed and involved. The future of our communities depends on it.
It’s our (VMGREVIEW.COM) purpose to Inspire, Inform, Encourage, and Empower Others…
Marvin Dixon/Founder
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