(AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)

WASHINGTON – While the rest of America is hoping for a summer wind down
President Obama is gearing up for a busy June and July. Mr. Obama says he’s putting stimulus dollars to work and he wants to create or save 600,000 jobs in the next 100 days.

The President is taking comfort from the latest jobs numbers, which weren’t as bad as expected.

“It’s a sign that we’re moving in the right direction,” he said. “The key is for us to build on the modest progress that has been made in the months to come.”

Still, the unemployment rate is creeping toward double digits as skittish employers wait for signs of a recovery.

Meanwhile, Mr. Obama is trying to fast-track health care reform.

As Congress begins working on a bill the President is offering his ideas, including a plan that controls costs without adding to the deficit.

“We’re going to work hard and do in bipartisan fashion and have to the president by October,” said Iowa Democratic Senator Tom Harkin.

Still, Republicans are standing firm against the President’s idea for a government-run insurance program.

“Americans want health care reform but they don’t want reform that forces them into a government plan and replaces the freedom and they choices they know enjoy with bureaucratic hassles,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

In a letter to the President GOP lawmakers say: “Forcing free market plans to compete with these government-run programs would create an unlevel playing field.”