David Hamby has more than 25 years of experience as an award-winning communicator, including overseeing communication programs for Oklahoma higher education institutions and other organizations. Before joining OK Policy, he was director of public relations for Rogers State University where he managed the school’s external communication programs and served as a member of the president’s leadership team. He served in a similar communications role for five years at the University of Tulsa. He also has worked in communications roles at Oklahoma State University and the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce in Arkansas. He joined OK Policy in October 2019.
By: Dave Hamby
July 21, 2020 // Updated: July 21, 2020
Technical issues behind recent reports of fewer new coronavirus cases in Oklahoma, state says; As districts work to reopen, parents flee to virtual schools; Education advocates pan Stitt’s private school funding plan; ‘A very dark feeling’: Hundreds camp out in Oklahoma unemployment lines. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 20, 2020 // Updated: July 20, 2020
Why it keeps getting harder to reopen schools safely; Oklahoma sees record coronavirus hospitalizations as health leaders and officials say trend is ‘unsustainable’; OKC Council: Masks required for indoor public spaces; Creek, Seminole Nations disavow agreement on jurisdiction. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 19, 2020 // Updated: July 19, 2020
Additional federal support would provide relief to Oklahomans; Possible paths to fund Medicaid expansion; Opening schools safely depends on following medical, scientific advice [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 13, 2020 // Updated: July 13, 2020
Why 'mask' has become a four-letter word; Black officers encourage conversations about race, cultural differences; Norman Pastor Clarence Hill offers guide on how to improve racial relations; [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 12, 2020 // Updated: July 12, 2020
Children – the best investment we can make; An early look at requested interim studies in the House; State and nation lack leadership and resources to do what's necessary to stop virus spread - test, trace, isolate. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 10, 2020 // Updated: July 10, 2020
‘We hold the government to its word’: SCOTUS affirms Creek Nation reservation; State officials unveil color-coded COVID alert system; Gov. Stitt says Oklahoma won't be a 'mask-shamer' as he touts robust hospital capacity amid COVID-19 surge; [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 9, 2020 // Updated: July 9, 2020
'Connect the dots': Tulsa County COVID-19 cases soaring weeks after Trump rally, related large-scale events; Hofmeister says Trump threats to penalize states if schools choose not to open 'aren't helpful'; Panel: Trauma, systemic racism cause lower health outcomes for Black community; Children – the best investment we can make. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
July 5, 2020 // Updated: July 5, 2020
Passing SQ 802 – next step to a stronger Oklahoma; Medicaid expansion can address Oklahoma’s mental health and criminal justice needs; Oklahomans show they can vote by mail, and the state should accommodate them. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
June 28, 2020 // Updated: June 28, 2020
New analyses from OK Policy and Families USA quantify benefits of Medicaid expansion in Oklahoma; SQ 802 will dramatically improve financial well-being in Oklahoma; SQ 802 is a win for criminal justice reform in Oklahoma; KIDS COUNT 2020: Oklahoma ranks 45th for child well-being. [More...]
By: Dave Hamby
June 25, 2020 // Updated: June 25, 2020
Below is the Oklahoma Policy Institute’s statement regarding Gov. Stitt’s press conference today about the Medicaid audit he ordered nearly 16 months ago:
“The Oklahoma Health Care Authority provides quality care, delivered efficiently, to hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans. The… Read more [More...]