Rebecca Payne, executive director of the Women’s Center, said Edgar spoke at a press conference in front of the center, 408 W. Freeman, regarding a bill he recently signed increasing funds for domestic violence programs.

I believe there was a $1.6 million dollar increase for all domestic violence programs in Illinois, Payne said.

I presented him with a drawing from one of our children (staying at the center), Payne said. It’s going to be framed and hung in the Illinois Department of Public Aid domestic violence office.

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We gave him a tour of the shelter and he spoke to us about different issues and problems of concern.

The Women’s Center is a free and confidential shelter for battered women and their dependent children to stay when they have problems at home, Payne said.

We give (battered women) a safe place to stay and provide free counseling and advocacy, Payne said.

Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, said the Women’s Center, founded in 1972, is one of the oldest women’s shelters in the nation.

I’m happy they are getting these funds it’s been a long time, Bost said. But it is important to know we’re not only focusing on the end result which is in this case but also to stop (domestic violence) before it occurs.

Seven women’s shelters in Southern Illinois will receive more grant money because of the bill, Bost said.