As state lawmakers are expected to start passing bills today on the $132.5 billion budget deal, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver told NY1 that the deal is a win for the Democrats.

The deal reduces overall spending by more than 2 percent, eliminates an estimated $10 billion deficit and restores an unspecified amount of education aid.

Votes are expected today on the transportation and economic development bill and a merger bill.

Meanwhile, Silver refuted talk that Governor Andrew Cuomo "defeated" the Legislature and left him with less influence over the process.

"This is not a wrestling match, this is not an issue of power. This is an issue, if anything, if you want to compare it to a wrestling match, it's probably more like a tag team. Democrats against Republicans," said Silver. "And clearly the Democratic team put their vision out there this year. And the governor and the Democratic legislators clearly, if there's a wrestling match, they won it."

Many Republicans are also calling the budget deal a win for their side, because there are no new taxes and no new borrowing.

The state government may vote on the budget deal on Wednesday or Thursday, before the Friday budget deadline.

The full interview with Silver will air on "Inside City Hall" at 7 and 10 o'clock tonight.