Author: Dave Hamby

Dave Hamby // dhamby@okpolicy.org

A fourth generation Oklahoman from Pawhuska, Dave Hamby has more than three decades of award-winning communications experience, including for Oklahoma higher education institutions and business organizations. Before joining OK Policy, he oversaw external communications for Rogers State University and The University of Tulsa. He also has worked for Oklahoma State University and the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Smith, Arkansas. A graduate of OSU's journalism program, he was a newspaper reporter at the Southwest Times Record in Fort Smith. Dave joined OK Policy in October 2019.

Recent Articles

In The Know: Student citizenship, social studies standards draw bipartisan concern | Rift deepens between Stitt, Muscogee Nation | Only smash the piggy bank in emergencies

By: Dave Hamby
April 24, 2025 // Updated: April 24, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: OKC bombing remembered | The state’s ongoing mental health department inquiry | Lawmakers need to act to help older adults struggling to afford housing

By: Dave Hamby
April 21, 2025 // Updated: April 21, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Ed board member cites ‘breach of trust’ in social studies standards | Oklahoma should do better for vulnerable youth | Two lies and a truth

By: Dave Hamby
April 17, 2025 // Updated: April 17, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Bill limiting state question process moves forward in #okleg | New Oklahoma House committee to investigate mental health department finances | Growing trend of anti-homeless legislation

By: Dave Hamby
April 16, 2025 // Updated: April 16, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: The 30th anniversary of OKC bombing | #okleg leaders tout bipartisan cooperation | OK Policy responds to Gov.’s misleading comments on SB 675

By: Dave Hamby
April 14, 2025 // Updated: April 14, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Fed. funding shortfall could trigger ‘mass eviction event’ | State ends contracts for three large mental health services providers in Tulsa County | Senate advances tax cut bills

By: Dave Hamby
April 11, 2025 // Updated: April 11, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: House committee rejects bill that would violate Tribal data sovereignty | Feds revoke visas for 8 int’l students at state colleges | Forestry department fallout continues

By: Dave Hamby
April 9, 2025 // Updated: April 9, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Oklahomans join nationwide ‘Hands Off’ protests | OK’s tax burden among nation’s lowest | #okleg puts Tribal sovereignty in the spotlight

By: Dave Hamby
April 7, 2025 // Updated: April 7, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Gov.’s proposal to eliminate forestry department gets pushback | How will Trump’s tariffs impact Oklahomans | Fact check on bill that would limit homelessness services

By: Dave Hamby
April 4, 2025 // Updated: April 4, 2025
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. OK Policy encourages the support of Oklahoma’s state and local media, which are vital to an informed citizenry. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the… Read more [More...]

Statement: DOGE-OK recommends health care cuts that are harmful, counterintuitive

By: Dave Hamby
April 2, 2025 // Updated: April 2, 2025
The governor’s office this week released its first DOGE-OK report to promote government efficiency at the state level, mimicking the aims of the federal effort being led by Elon Musk. The DOGE-OK report identified $157 million in “wasteful” health care… Read more [More...]