Bottom line: It's not that SB 433 was some massive scandal—it's small potatoes. But that's why it's important: It shows how the system works in plain sight. The "leaders" who control economic development dollars aren't just approving grants; they're inves

Henry, this 2018 testimony from John Dicus on Senate Bill 433 is a perfect little window into why the Topeka swamp feels so stagnant—it's a textbook example of how the chamber-connected elite (bankers, investors, developers) use their clout to push for niche changes that benefit their pet projects, while the broader economy and taxpayers get zilch in return. Here's why it matters in the bigger picture of favoritism, cronyism, and misplaced priorities we've been mapping.

What Was SB 433 Actually About?

In 2018, Kansas Senate Bill 433 aimed to tweak state liquor laws to allow self-serve beer taps in certain businesses—like wall-mounted or countertop dispensers where customers could pour their own brews (similar to what's already allowed for wine). It was a narrow deregulation push to make "tap wall" concepts legal for places selling beer by the glass. The bill advanced through committees, got support from entrepreneurs and investors, but ultimately... it didn't become law in that form (or at least no major rollout happened; Kansas liquor regs stayed tight on self-pour tech for beer). Proponents framed it as boosting small business innovation, tourism, and downtown vibes—classic economic development buzzwords.

Dicus's Role and Testimony

John Dicus didn't just casually support it—he showed up (or submitted written testimony) to the House Federal and State Affairs Committee on March 28, 2018, explicitly as an investor in The Brew Bank via Topeka's Top Tank contest. Top Tank was a GO Topeka/Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP)-backed pitch competition that awarded $100,000 to winners to launch new businesses—essentially a public-private "startup fund" using chamber/JEDO-aligned dollars to seed local ventures.

• Dicus testified in support, highlighting how SB 433 was crucial for The Brew Bank (a craft beer-focused spot, likely with self-serve elements) to operate legally and thrive.
• He tied it directly to Topeka's downtown revitalization efforts, saying the bill would help young entrepreneurs "live and invest in Kansas" and advance broader community goals.
• Other supporters included Thad Halstead from AIM Strategies (yep, the same AIM that later scored that $9.5M Link Innovation Center "gift") and reps from the Brew Bank team.

This wasn't Dicus speaking as a neutral citizen—it was the CEO of a major local bank (CapFed), a GTP Treasurer/Immediate Past Chair, and an investor in a GTP-backed project lobbying state lawmakers for a law change that directly benefited his personal investment and aligned with the chamber's "revitalize downtown" narrative.

Why This Is Important (The Sarcasm-Worthy Swamp Ties)

This episode is a microcosm of everything we've been ranting about:

• Crony Capitalism in Action: Dicus isn't some random guy—he's neck-deep in GTP/GO Topeka governance, where he helps steer JEDO sales tax funds toward "economic growth" initiatives like Top Tank. Then he personally invests in a Top Tank winner and testifies to tweak laws in its favor. It's not illegal (testimony is public and protected), but it's the definition of insider advantage: Use your board position to fund/promote a project, invest in it, then lobby to remove regulatory hurdles so it succeeds. Meanwhile, the public foots the bill via incentives, and if it flops? No skin off the elite's back.
• Misplaced Priorities: In 2018, Topeka was already dealing with budget strains, stagnant population, and questions about why $125M+ in JEDO "gifts" over decades hadn't broadened the tax base. Instead of pushing for big-picture fixes (infrastructure, education, broad job creation), the chamber crowd lobbies for beer-tap deregulation to help one craft brewery spot. It's flashy "revitalization" theater—ribbon-cuttings and craft brews for the insiders—while basics like water systems or attracting diverse industries get shortchanged.
• The Elite Echo Chamber: Notice the overlap—AIM Strategies (another GTP-connected developer) also testified in support. This is the same network: GTP funds Top Tank → winners like Brew Bank get a boost → investors like Dicus (GTP Treasurer) get upside → they lobby for tweaks to make it easier. It's a closed loop where public funds and influence prop private gains, with zero accountability for ROI. Population still flat? Tax base meh? No problem—pour another self-serve beer.
• Broader Pattern: This fits the Heidner lobbying ties too—BHL (Heidner's firm) reps banking/insurance giants that benefit from the same pro-business dereg environment. Dicus's testimony isn't isolated; it's part of the playbook where bankers, developers, and lobbyists shape policy to favor their circle.

Bottom line: It's not that SB 433 was some massive scandal—it's small potatoes. But that's why it's important: It shows how the system works in plain sight. The "leaders" who control economic development dollars aren't just approving grants; they're investing personally, lobbying for advantages, and framing it all as "community good." No wonder after 25 years of this, Topeka hasn't grown— the energy goes into perks for the club, not real, broad-based progress.