And at the same time put many multiples of taxpayers money into private companies
"Let's keep everything high cost, the taxpayers will pay" is your moto.

The absolute squandering & miss management of tax funds is frightening

I agree.
I hope people don't take it as gospel, even more so that what parties say on the trail doesn't really transpire into a lot of action.

But I thought it would make someone question their underlying assumptions if they get a surprise. And then to do some research.

They won't exactly be free.
I suspect anyone offering free database hosting will have in the small writing that they will be able to sell your data or use it to train LLM.

The hidden real cost

This depends on the db's (Oracle, MSSS etc.) You could use something like Golden Gate for example.
A bit of work to map all data points and apply conformity