The name and legacy of Cole Hall are forever intertwined with the Feb. 14 shootings. Now, a proposal to raze the lecture hall and replace it with “Memorial Hall” is gaining steam.

Although it has been only a day since the press conference with Gov. Rod Blagojevich and NIU President John Peters, Illinois legislators are already reacting to the proposal.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) said he supports the bill to allocate $40 million for the demolition of Cole Hall and the construction of Memorial Hall.

“He’s supportive of the idea and will work with Rep. [Bob] Pritchard on the legislation,” Cross spokesman David Dring said. Pritchard and Sen. Brad Burzynski are sponsoring the bill.

However, Dring conceded the bill will face resistance and that it may not pass. Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie) said that while he expresses support for NIU students and faculty, he does not support the idea of razing Cole Hall with taxpayer money.