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

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...]

In The Know: Gov. orders state agencies to purge barriers separating church, state | Election results roundup | Raising the minimum wage means more Oklahomans could afford housing

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: April 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: Some property managers using eviction as rent-collection tool | A look at bills that advanced in #okleg last week | State cuts funding for critical emergency mental health care programs in Tulsa

By: Dave Hamby
March 31, 2025 // Updated: March 31, 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: Senate approves bill that would limit homeless shelters in most cities | 7 measles cases reported, more suspected | Bill would revamp state’s economic development efforts

By: Dave Hamby
March 26, 2025 // Updated: March 26, 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: Lawmakers push tort reform, creating new state business court | National push to use taxpayer money for private schools | Lawmakers should choose targeted relief amidst budget uncertainty

By: Dave Hamby
March 25, 2025 // Updated: March 25, 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: Federal cuts may lead to higher health care premiums | Legal experts questioning bill that limits state question process | What Trump’s executive order to close US Dept. of Ed. might mean for Oklahoma

By: Dave Hamby
March 24, 2025 // Updated: March 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: Trump set to order shut down of US Dept. of Ed | Legislature working against itself on justice reforms | Are state leaders listening to Oklahomans?

By: Dave Hamby
March 20, 2025 // Updated: March 20, 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: Senate passes bill restricting state question process | Lawmaker asks for AG’s opinion on Walters’ endorsement of alternative teachers organization | Wildfire danger persists again today

By: Dave Hamby
March 19, 2025 // Updated: March 19, 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: Wildfires ravage state | Trump Justice Department ends challenge to Oklahoma law on illegal immigration | Housing getting attention during #okleg session | Sunshine Week

By: Dave Hamby
March 17, 2025 // Updated: March 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: Ethics Commission pursuing prosecution against Ryan Walters | Judge ends federal oversight of Oklahoma foster care system | House passes bill making undocumented arrests an automatic felony

By: Dave Hamby
March 14, 2025 // Updated: March 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...]