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: #okleg sends budget to governor | Tribal-state relations are ‘bit of a mess’ | Oklahoma is cutting its way to poverty. Business, industry scouts will turn away

By: Dave Hamby
May 23, 2025 // Updated: May 23, 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: #okleg considering proposed budget deal this week | Gov. announces $4 billion aluminum plant deal … signed a month ago | How Medicaid cuts might impact Oklahomans

By: Dave Hamby
May 19, 2025 // Updated: May 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...]

OK Policy Statement on FY 26 Budget Process and Proposed Tax Cuts

By: Dave Hamby
May 14, 2025 // Updated: May 14, 2025
While the governor says he wants to make Oklahoma more "pro-business," his rhetoric doesn't match what business leaders call for. Instead of investing in these areas, this proposal includes poorly designed tax cuts that will strip hundreds of millions from state revenue — making it even harder to deliver on the basics Oklahomans expect. [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma business leaders favor investment over tax cuts, poll says | More fallout from mental health agency inquiry | IRS-ICE tax data deal betrays public trust

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: May 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: Triggered tax cuts bad economic policy | What is Tribal sovereignty? | Budget, taxes, and other pending issues this legislative session

By: Dave Hamby
May 12, 2025 // Updated: May 12, 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: OK-DOGE portal comments trolled Republicans | Tax triggers lack economic sense | Will lawmakers stand up to Gov’s vetoes?

By: Dave Hamby
May 9, 2025 // Updated: May 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: 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...]