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: New report shows Oklahoma ranks 44th for child well-being | How homeless encampment sweeps played out in three cities | Gov. appoints new leader of embattled mental health department

By: Dave Hamby
June 8, 2026 // Updated: June 8, 2026
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...]

2026 KIDS COUNT: Oklahoma ranks 44th for child well-being

By: Dave Hamby
// Updated: June 17, 2026
Oklahoma continues to rank among the bottom 10 states for overall child well-being in the 2026 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, 50-state report of recent data developed by the Annie E. Casey Foundation analyzing how kids are faring nationwide. • KIDS… Read more [More...]

In The Know: Oklahoma Supreme Court hears challenge to property tax initiative petition | Millions could face coverage loss under new Medicaid work rules | Fact check: GOP gubernatorial debate

By: Dave Hamby
June 3, 2026 // Updated: June 3, 2026
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: Oklahoma’s housing crisis met with legislative silence this session | Out-of-state group tests state law with cruise for political donation sweepstakes | Myths vs. facts about the minimum wage

By: Dave Hamby
June 1, 2026 // Updated: June 1, 2026
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: State supreme court invalidates Tulsa-Muscogee Nation jurisdiction agreement | Reading reforms are now up to elementary schools to implement | Fact sheet for SQ 832

By: Dave Hamby
May 29, 2026 // Updated: May 29, 2026
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: Voters to decide state’s minimum wage | Inside the PACs spending millions on the governor’s race | Oklahoma doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a priority problem.

By: Dave Hamby
May 26, 2026 // Updated: May 26, 2026
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 judge rules City of Henryetta cannot prosecute Tribal citizens on Muscogee land | Legislative session ends with wins, losses and GOP infighting | Hard work deserves a fair wage. SQ 832 would help make that happen

By: Dave Hamby
May 18, 2026 // Updated: May 18, 2026
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: Republican leaders feud as Oklahoma Legislature wraps tumultuous year | Lawmakers say public schools matter. Their policies say otherwise | More

By: Dave Hamby
May 14, 2026 // Updated: May 14, 2026
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: Grand jury finds ‘rank political favoritism’ in release of Stitt’s friend after DUI | Frustrations flare between House, Senate GOP leaders as legislative session nears end | OKC sees modest drop in overall homeless population

By: Dave Hamby
May 11, 2026 // Updated: May 11, 2026
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: Grand jury: Gov. Stitt helped free friend from prison just weeks into 8-year sentence | Gov. Stitt vetoes bill extending life of Oklahoma’s public television, two dozen other measures | Oklahoma House vote opens door to Nov. 3 vote on changing Medicaid

By: Dave Hamby
May 8, 2026 // Updated: May 8, 2026
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...]