Metro

More New Yorkers think they’re worse off today than four years ago: poll

ALBANY — More New Yorkers think they’re worse off than better off today vs. four years ago, according to a new poll.

Siena College found 47 percent of Empire State residents say they’re worse off now, while 35 percent believe they’re better off.

But 50 percent think the nation’s economic problems are only temporary, up five percent from a year ago. Still, the other half thinks America’s best economic days are gone, according to the survey, which was underwritten by First Niagara Bank.

There’s also a deep divide over Obamacare. Forty percent agree with Republican presidential challenger Mitt Romney and favor repeal of President Obama’s health care plan that Romney says will take money out of Americans’ pockets, while 43 percent back Obama, who says the law will ensure coverage for everyone.

Meantime, the Oct. 2-6 telephone survey of 621 state residents found 68 percent favor increasing federal income taxes on Americans making more than $250,000 and most oppose reducing corporate tax rates, 54 to 31 percent.

Three quarters of New York residents support increased development of domestic oil and natural gas — though the survey did not specifically ask about “hydrofracking,” the controversial technique of drilling for natural gas with a chemical, water and sand mix as the Cuomo administration weighs whether to allow it in upstate New York’s Marcellus shale.

And though most New Yorkers also support expanding federal support for education (84%) and an aggressive federal infrastructure development program (78%) and oppose cutting funding for entitlement programs like social security, Medicare and Medicaid (68%), they also favor a balanced budget amendment (61%).

Big majorities also favor carefully monitoring the financial industry (87%) and providing funding to train workers rather than expand unemployment benefits (85%). Residents are closely divided over trimming regulations on businesses, with 44 percent supporting doing so and 40 percent opposed.

The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 points.