use macro variable as character value

[asasha]

I have a macro variable %let state= CA. How can use it within a macro in a conditional statement.

I want to create a dataset that is a subset. This does not work:

proc sql;
create table &state. as
select * from &data.(where = (top_states=&state.));
quit;

But this works:

proc sql;
create table &state. as
select * from &data.(where = (top_states='CA'));
quit;

How can I use the &state. macro to subset my data?

[mkeintz · Accepted solution]

Modify as below:

proc sql;
create table &state. as
select * from &data.(where = (top_states="&state"));
quit;

Unlike single quotes, the use of double quotes permits the macro compiler to interpret "&state"  as "CA".