WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama has discussed his economic priorities for this year with House Democrats.

Obama met with House Democrats at the White House on Tuesday, a week after he laid out his priorities in his State of the Union address.

The White House said Obama told the lawmakers he wanted to work with Congress to help the middle class but would keep using his executive authority too. Obama is calling for a minimum wage hike, expanded pre-kindergarten programs, an unemployment insurance extension and an immigration overhaul.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Minority Whip Steny Hoyer said Democrats discussed prioritizing creating jobs, helping women succeed and improving health care access.

Obama planned to meet with Senate Democrats Wednesday. The outreach comes at the start of an important midterm election year.