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

Weekly Wonk: A look at the details of SQ 832 to raise the minimum wage | Oklahoma’s county jails face rising insurance, liability pressures | If ‘work conquers all’, why can’t Oklahomans get ahead?

By: Dave Hamby
August 29, 2025 // Updated: August 29, 2025
What’s up this week at Oklahoma Policy Institute? The Weekly Wonk shares our most recent publications and other resources to help you stay informed about Oklahoma. Numbers of the Day and Policy Notes are from our daily news briefing, In… Read more [More...]

In The Know: How new laws helps our justice system | Health insurance will cost more for millions of Americans, especially rural residents | Breaking down details on SQ 832 to raise Oklahoma’s minimum wage

By: Dave Hamby
August 27, 2025 // Updated: August 27, 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: Ryan Walters requested attorney to ‘minimize the likelihood of criminal charges’ in TV inquiry | Tribal leaders push back against Stitt’s attempt to thwart Tulsa, Muscogee Nation agreement | Efforts that seek to undermine next election

By: Dave Hamby
August 25, 2025 // Updated: August 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: Housing advocates raise concern over proposed limits on federal housing assistance | Oklahoma Congressman predicts planned cuts to Medicaid will be tweaked | Make community great again

By: Dave Hamby
August 21, 2025 // Updated: August 21, 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 taking a look at insurance rates in Oklahoma | Details emerging on ‘woke test’ for teachers | State leaders bracing for ‘heavy lift’ from federal funding changes

By: Dave Hamby
August 18, 2025 // Updated: August 21, 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: End of state testing is ‘nowhere near’ a done deal | Judge dismisses Walters’ suit | State ethics commission to let lawmakers use campaign funds for security

By: Dave Hamby
August 15, 2025 // Updated: August 21, 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: New report shows how 2016 justice reform efforts are working | Can state superintendent end statewide standardized tests? | White nationalism growing in U.S. | Cherokee Chief says next governor must rebuild tribal relations

By: Dave Hamby
August 11, 2025 // Updated: August 21, 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 court upholds state ban on gender-affirming care for minors | State broadband office prepares for next stage of development | Superintendent announces end of some end-of-year school testing

By: Dave Hamby
August 8, 2025 // Updated: August 21, 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: SNAP cuts could starve food safety net | 2025 student test scores available for Oklahoma | Gov.’s executive order blocks SoonerCare funds for ‘abortion-affiliated providers’

By: Dave Hamby
August 4, 2025 // Updated: August 4, 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: Sheriff ‘surprised’ by DA’s request for OSBI to assist in Ryan Walters investigation | U.S. Reps. Cole and Lucas spoke to in-person groups | New online school can’t participate in private school tax credit

By: Dave Hamby
August 1, 2025 // Updated: August 1, 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...]