His poll numbers may be dropping, but Governor Andrew Cuomo’s power over the state budget remains strong.

“He sets the terms, he sets the table on the budget, and the legislature has to react within certain confines to what he gives them,” explained E.J. McMahon, founder and policy director of the Empire Center.

Throughout his decade-plus tenure as governor, Andrew Cuomo has submitted fairly restrained budgets that have either kept spending under 2%, or have given the impression of doing so. The question this year, according to McMahon, is will he have the fortitude to continue that kind of restraint amid the political turmoil he is facing.

McMahon joined Capital Tonight host Susan Arbetter to discuss where the executive derives his power, and what the legislature might be able to do about it.