States' ability to implement the major changes that take effect in 2014 are tied to the decisions they face now. Meanwhile, governors' "state of the state" speeches reflect an overall cautious mood.

Kaiser Health News: States Under Pressure As Health Law Deadlines Approach
The health law's biggest changes don't take effect until 2014, when states and insurers must be ready to begin signing up an estimated 32 million people in Medicaid and private insurance. But a successful rollout in two years hinges on critical decisions that states must make – and take quick action on – this year (Werber Serafini, 2/1).

The Associated Press: Governors' Speeches Reflect States' Cautious Mood
Glimmers of economic optimism. Deep concerns about jobs and health care costs. These are among the recurring themes as governors across the nation deliver their annual State of the State addresses. And the speeches have this in common, too: a striking absence of grand and costly proposals (Crary, 2/1).