Tom Carroll with more on the latest developments in NY:

In a marathon meeting, the state Board of Regents approved dozens of education-reform measures. It adds up to a sweeping plan to put New York in shape to score big in the $4 billion federal Race to the Top competition.

Yes, some of the key reforms require legislative action -- but at least the Regents have put pressure on the Legislature to act before the Jan. 19 deadline for "Round One" Race to the Top applications. (No one knows how much money will be left for the "Round Two" in June.)

The Regents' decisiveness may have caused whiplash among some special-interest groups -- including the state teachers union, whose team of lobbyists watched the votes in shock. The union clearly would rather see the state lose $350 million to $700 million in federal funds -- even amid a severe fiscal crisis -- than see many of these reforms go ahead.

But that strategy will put the union at odds with President Obama, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the state's cash-hungry political leaders.

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