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.
By: Dave Hamby
May 17, 2020 // Updated: May 17, 2020
A look at rebuilding Oklahoma; our growing eviction crisis; using education CARES funds to support all children; supporting child care is vital for rebuilding economy. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 16, 2020 // Updated: May 16, 2020
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 may be behind paywall or require subscription. OK Policy encourages the support of… Read more [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 10, 2020 // Updated: May 10, 2020
Gov. Kevin Stitt’s political honeymoon appears over; Unemployment climbing to record highs, Oklahomans grow frustrated with unemployment system. [More...]
Taking a closer look at the fast-tracked legislative process that cemented barriers to voting safely; SNAP is a critical piece of our pandemic response, and Congress needs to give it a boost. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 9, 2020 // Updated: May 9, 2020
New voting law likened to poll tax by critics; Oklahoma Legislature's budget bill was crafted with possible veto override in mind; Oklahoma starts to reopen, as battle against the coronavirus in nursing homes mounts. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 6, 2020 // Updated: May 6, 2020
Statement, attributable to OK Policy Executive Director Ahniwake Rose:
The Oklahoma House on Wednesday played ‘three-bill monte’ with legislation that would keep many Oklahomans from voting safely. The legislative changes, made just minutes before floor debate began, appeared to be… Read more [More...]
Lawmakers on Wednesday moved proposed new absentee voter requirements into a different bill SB 210, which was previously an unrelated bill until today’s amendment. The change was made less than an hour before the House session convened.
The House had… Read more [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 5, 2020 // Updated: May 5, 2020
Just a day after the Oklahoma Supreme Court removed barriers to absentee voting, the Oklahoma Legislature is quietly advancing a bill to make it harder to vote by mail. The Oklahoma House will consider SB 1779 as soon as Wednesday.… Read more [More...]
Supreme Court strikes down notary requirement for absentee ballots; Legislature reveals FY 2021 budget proposal; Incarcerated individuals considered for medical release due to pandemic. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
May 4, 2020 // Updated: May 4, 2020
Statement from Ahniwake Rose, Executive Director for Oklahoma Policy Institute:
Given the extraordinary financial challenges facing Oklahoma, we commend the Legislature for putting together a budget that protects many of Oklahoma’s core services while retaining savings that can be used… Read more [More...]