So, what happens if lawmakers strip Gov. Cuomo of his pandemic powers? WWNY So, what happens if lawmakers strip Gov. Cuomo of his pandemic powers? By Keir Chapman | March 4, 2021 at 2:47 PM EST - Updated March 4 at 9:12 PM ALBANY, N.Y. (WWNY) - You may have heard about state lawmakers trying to strip Governor Andrew Cuomo of his emergency pandemic powers. If a bill passes, does it mean the governor’s executive orders go away? Simply put- no, and it’s one of many problems opponents have. Cuomo is facing the storm of three sexual harassment claims and calls for resignation. The governor has apologized, but isn’t stepping down.