On Sept. 18, CNN ran an interesting special about jobs, hosted by Fareed Zakaria. The nation’s current jobs problems have been 20 years in the making. Changing technology and globalization have greatly affected the type of jobs available.

His guest, Jeffrey Immelt, chairman of General Electric, recommended starting up construction-ready projects; reviewing regulations; reforming the tax code; improving education, especially community colleges to move workers from construction type jobs to computer-based; and promoting tourism (1.3 million jobs possible) would be a big boost to the economy. Potential visitors have difficulty getting visas. That needs to be corrected.

Jobs that were outsourced in the 1980s and ’90s are beginning to come back. Wages are rising in Japan and China. It is most efficient to manufacture close to your buying market.

And imagine this: A Republican and a Democrat working together. Sens. John Kerry, D-Mass., and Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas, have proposed a bill that will begin to repair the nation’s infrastructure — a much-needed boost for jobs. The bill offers loans, not grants, for important projects. At least there are two senators who recognize how important modern, fast transportation is for industry to thrive and compete.

The jobs bill that President Barack Obama has proposed is an excellent start toward recovery. The Republicans need to stop protecting their super-wealthy supporters and show concern for the millions of people without jobs.

One thing I feel sure of: Obama cares.

The jobs bill should be passed.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock