Can someone else who also works in Kansas help me? I’m a tipped worker with a ?

I work for a company that pays me a wage, as well as allows me to earn gratuities.

Three times over the last year, my paycheck has been short. This time, it’s short approximately $300, because some of my tips that I earned were not added to my paycheck. I made sure to verify the pay period on the stub, and sure enough, it is the correct pay period. They have also admitted fault and verified that yes, I am missing the calculated amount.

They have told me that I have to wait until the next pay period for this amount to be reimbursed.

I’m trying to do my own research, but I’m running into articles related to unemployment, which is not what I’m looking for. So a few questions I have:

1. Why do I have to wait until the next pay period for reimbursement? Are they not able to cut me a check?

2. As mentioned, this is the third offense. Is this something I can report? Who to? Is there a way to report this to the State of Kansas? Is that even worth my time? Are there guidelines for employer retaliation if they learn I make a report, if I’m able?

Obviously I can always leave. I don’t want to do that. I make exceptional money here, so that’s not something that I want to throw away. The flexibility is another pro, as I’m a working mother. I just find this completely unacceptable, and want to know what my rights/options are. I have bills to pay, I think we all can understand/empathize with that. My life doesn’t just go on hold for two weeks while I wait around for them to “correct their error,” without so much as a bit of remorse. This isn’t just an “oops.” This is part of my income.

Any resources anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Edit to say: the missing amount is not on anyone else’s check. No one was overpaid, I just wasn’t paid the amount owed.