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: Tribal leaders speak out on MMIP veto | Mental health providers say they’re owed nearly $150M in reimbursements | Veto is step backwards for housing stability

By: Dave Hamby
May 7, 2025 // Updated: May 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: Mental health department faces possible payroll default | DOC asking #okleg to buy private prison | Silence in the face of injustice puts each of us at risk

By: Dave Hamby
May 5, 2025 // Updated: May 5, 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: Homeland Security admits OKC immigration raid targeted wrong people | Senator blocks new Board of Ed appointee | Ryan Walters ordered to pay $18k in ethics complaint; Todd Hiett cases dropped

By: Dave Hamby
May 2, 2025 // Updated: May 2, 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: Where is #okleg in the budget process | Senator moves to reject controversial social studies standards | Lawmakers frustrated by Oklahoma agency CFO’s inability to answer basic budget questions

By: Dave Hamby
April 28, 2025 // Updated: April 28, 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...]

Weekly Wonk: Budget transparency took a step forward last year. Where are we now? | Only smash the piggy bank in emergencies | Fact checking HB 1539

By: Dave Hamby
April 26, 2025 // Updated: April 26, 2025
What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

Now is time for long-term planning, not short-term politics (Commentary)

By: Dave Hamby
April 24, 2025 // Updated: April 24, 2025
What if you gave away the biggest tax cut in Oklahoma history, and no one noticed? That’s the reality facing the governor and the legislative leaders he’s trying to pressure to pass income tax cuts that benefit the wealthiest Oklahomans.… Read more [More...]

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
// 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...]