President Barack Obama says he's reaching out to lawmakers from both parties in hopes of untangling the gridlock that has stymied progress on budget issues in Washington.

In his weekly radio and Internet address, Obama says he's talking with Republicans about ways to replace the automatic spending cuts that took effect March 1. He says immigration reform and gun control are other areas where he's hopeful Democrats and Republicans can find common ground.

He referred to a dinner during the week with 12 U.S. Senator in which they had an "open and honest conversation about critical issues" facing the country including gun violence and the budget.

He says even though unemployment fell to 7.7 percent last month, expanding the economy is still his top priority.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM