Can we retire the “doughnut hole” meme? Doughnut holes imply that there’s some kind of low point, and those at either side are better off. That’s patently false. The folks on the lower side of income aren’t enjoying some sort of boon that all of a sudden, those at a certain income get denied. The gradually greater (sometimes), increasing FA mirrors decreasing family income, and increasing income tracks with decreasing aid. So there’s no sudden deprivation at a greater income level.
“Doughnut hole” just feeds into the aggrievement story. It’s just not supported by the actual way aid works.It’s not like those at a lower income aren’t also “feeling the pinch”.