COLUMBUS (AP) -- A lawmaker in Ohio wants the state to provide years of relief payments and a free ride to college for three Cleveland women abducted and held in captivity for about a decade.
State Rep. John Barnes Jr. is introducing his Survivors of Abduction Act on Tuesday. It would provide Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight at least $25,000 a year in reparations for the years they were restrained and tuition, fees and living expenses at a public college.
The Cleveland Democrat says legislators of both parties have expressed support for the bill, which would bear the women's names and be covered by taxpayers.
Ariel Castro was charged with rape and kidnapping last month after the women dramatically escaped from his Cleveland home. His attorney says he'll plead not guilty.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Foundation says that as of May 28, donations to the Cleveland Courage Fund has topped more than $750,000, with more than 7,900 individual donations. All of that money will go directly to the three women and child.
State Rep. John Barnes Jr. is introducing his Survivors of Abduction Act on Tuesday. It would provide Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight at least $25,000 a year in reparations for the years they were restrained and tuition, fees and living expenses at a public college.
The Cleveland Democrat says legislators of both parties have expressed support for the bill, which would bear the women's names and be covered by taxpayers.
Ariel Castro was charged with rape and kidnapping last month after the women dramatically escaped from his Cleveland home. His attorney says he'll plead not guilty.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Foundation says that as of May 28, donations to the Cleveland Courage Fund has topped more than $750,000, with more than 7,900 individual donations. All of that money will go directly to the three women and child.
