By Michael Cooper, New York Times, Jan. 30/31, 2012

A year after a coterie of new Republican governors swept into the statehouses and put in place aggressive agendas to cut spending and curb union powers, sparking strong backlashes in many places, many of them are adopting decidedly more moderate tones as they begin their sophomore year in office.

The efforts to weaken unions have not ended — witness the recent events in Indianapolis. [...] But many of the new Republican governors who swept into office last year, taking aim at collective bargaining rights, are striking less confrontational notes as they begin the new year, at least judging by what they have been saying in their State of the State addresses.

A gradually improving economy has eased some of the pressure for steep spending cuts. Many state lawmakers face re-election this year [...]

Also note Multimedia available: Text and Video From Nine State-of-the-State Addresses