An analysis finds just 17 governors discussed COVID-19 in their state-of-the-state addresses, with key themes including opposition to vaccine mandates, workforce shortages, and access to COVID-19 vaccines. Active public health emergencies remain in 22 states.

In the early months of 2022, Alabama, Delaware, Kansas, and New Jersey passed legislation to mitigate health care workforce shortages amid the ongoing COVID-19 public health emergency.

Several states have reached or surpassed President Joe Biden's goal of vaccinating 70 percent of the U.S. adult population by July 4. However, other states lag behind; in 15 states, less than half the adult population has received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Leaders in Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Wisconsin have expressed interest in allowing individuals who cannot afford private health insurance to buy into the Medicaid program if they are otherwise ineligible.