Who proposed a pension plan that would provide $200 a month for elderly citizens as a means of economic support?

Dr. Francis Townsend proposed a pension plan aimed at providing economic support to elderly citizens during the Great Depression. His plan, known as the Townsend Plan, called for the government to pay $200 per month to citizens aged 60 and older, with the condition that they spend the money within 30 days. Townsend believed that this would not only alleviate poverty among older adults but also stimulate the economy by increasing consumer spending. His proposal gained significant popularity and influenced later social security legislation, highlighting the need for government assistance during tough economic times.

The other figures mentioned had different focuses; for instance, Father Charles Coughlin was known for his radio broadcasts and populist views, Huey Long advocated for wealth redistribution through his "Share Our Wealth" program, and Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, which included a range of relief and reform initiatives but did not initially adopt Townsend's specific pension proposal.