Metro

After 4 bad years, NY still wants four more

ALBANY — More New Yorkers think they’re worse off today than they were four years ago.

A new Siena College poll found 47 percent of Empire State residents say they’re not doing as well now, while 35 percent believe they’re doing better. For the rest, things are just about the same.

But more New Yorkers are optimistic about the future now than a year ago, with 50 percent saying they think the nation’s economic problems are only temporary — up from 45 percent in 2011.

The other half think America’s best economic days are in its past, according to the survey, which was underwritten by First Niagara Bank.

The poll also found a deep divide over ObamaCare, with 40 percent favoring repeal of the health-care plan — in line with Mitt Romney, who has vowed to repeal much of the program if he’s elected — while 43 percent want to preserve President Obama’s health-care reform.

Sixty-eight percent favor increasing federal income taxes on those making more than $250,000, and most oppose cutting corporate tax rates, the Oct. 2-6 telephone survey of 621 state residents found.

Three quarters support increased development of domestic oil and natural gas — though the survey did not specifically ask about “hydrofracking.”

Despite the lingering economic doldrums, polls find Obama trouncing Romney in blue New York.

“Is your discomfort enough to change your vote? What we’re seeing in New York is, it’s not,” said Siena Research Institute director Don Levy.

In New York, Levy found Democrats and younger New Yorkers more optimistic about the economy and the future than Republicans and older residents.

Among the other findings:

* 84 percent support expanded federal funding for education.

* 68 percent oppose cutting entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare.

* 87 percent favor closer federal scrutiny of the financial industry.

* 85 percent prefer funding job-training programs over expanding unemployment benefits.