In January 1914, Henry Ford started paying his auto workers a remarkable $5 a day. Doubling the average wage helped ensure a stable workforce and likely boosted sales since the workers could now afford to buy the cars they were making. It laid the foundation for an economy driven by consumer demand.
My suggestion was inspired by this act of leadership on Henry Ford's part. One of my professors said that it helped establish the "middle class." When Ford was asked why he did such a "dumb thing," he said something to the effect that "Ford employees ought to make enough money to be able to buy Fords." I also was taught that impressions and expectations contribute to recessions." Creating the impression that the people who really run the economy, not people who make government policy, are doing something about inflation, would help avert a recession. Of course, I'm just a big old dummy, like you said. Imagine expecting leaders to lead!