McCrory to lay out second-year priorities

McCrory, a first-term Republican beginning his second year in office, will appear at a news conference with members of his cabinet, according to spokeswoman Kim Genardo.

During a presentation to the North Carolina Bankers Association earlier this month, McCrory previewed that agenda, telling business leaders that expanding the number of jobs available in the state, raising teacher pay and pushing North Carolina into natural gas development were key priorities for the coming year. Genardo said he will used Tuesday's news conference to be more specific.

Traditionally, North Carolina governors do not give State of the State addresses in even-numbered years. Genardo said that the news conference will serve a similar function, giving citizens an update on the state's progress.

Lawmakers go back into session in mid-May for the "short session" of the General Assembly. Traditionally, these even-year sessions are designed to adjust the budget and make other urgent changes to state law, rather than pursuing broad legislative programs. 

The news conference is scheduled to begin at 10:45 a.m. WRAL.com plans to carry it live online.