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

Regressive Tax

By: Dave Hamby
January 11, 2024 // Updated: December 5, 2025
A regressive tax is a type of tax that takes a larger percentage of income from low-income individuals or households than from high-income individuals or households. In other words, as income decreases, the proportion of income paid in taxes increases.… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Cutting taxes would put state in economic peril | State needs to invest in food security | Lawmakers have cut corporate taxes despite public sentiment

By: Dave Hamby
January 8, 2024 // Updated: January 8, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: Rule change threatens voter-approved reforms | Addressing deferred maintenance on Oklahoma’s higher ed campuses | Feeding hungry children in our communities

By: Dave Hamby
January 6, 2024 // Updated: January 6, 2024
Rule change threatens voter-approved reforms | Addressing deferred maintenance on Oklahoma’s higher ed campuses | Feeding hungry children in our communities [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma declines to participate in summer food program for children | Estimate set for FY25 budget | Restoring the Oklahoma Standard

By: Dave Hamby
January 3, 2024 // Updated: January 3, 2024
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: 2023 in Review | Equalization board sets FY2025 budget estimate | Restoring the Oklahoma Standard | More

By: Dave Hamby
December 30, 2023 // Updated: December 30, 2023
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...]

Weekly Wonk: One simple trick to help the economy | Revisiting single-family zoning | Media literacy | Capitol Update

By: Dave Hamby
December 23, 2023 // Updated: December 23, 2023
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...]

In The Know: Tensions rise after altercation between Okmulgee jailer, Lighthorse police | Walters, Board of Ed sued over gender rules | Lawmakers need proof that vouchers work before expanding

By: Dave Hamby
December 22, 2023 // Updated: December 22, 2023
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Lawmakers consider increasing voucher funds | These Oklahomans needed mental health care, but died in jail | One simple trick to help small businesses

By: Dave Hamby
December 18, 2023 // Updated: December 19, 2023
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]

Weekly Wonk: Oklahomans best served by investments, not continued revenue cuts | Budget transparency pledge is step in right direction | Getting Oklahomans connected to health care

By: Dave Hamby
December 16, 2023 // Updated: December 16, 2023
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...]

In The Know: School districts report unusual delay in receiving federal funds | Making Black Wall Street a national monument | Ending single-family zoning can help close housing gap

By: Dave Hamby
December 15, 2023 // Updated: December 18, 2023
In The Know is your daily briefing on Oklahoma policy-related news. Inclusion of a story does not necessarily mean endorsement by the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Some stories included here are behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support… Read more [More...]