Here are today’s headlines from Kansas government:(Kansas Health Institute News Service) New HealthWave contractors criticized: The managed care companies administering the state’s HealthWave programs are behind in their payments to health-care clinics for the poor and uninsured. “As of yet, we’ve not been paid by Family Health Partners,” said Dave Sanford, executive director at GraceMed Health Clinic in Wichita. “UniCare has made a couple payments, but they’ve been short of covering the services provided,” he said. The clinic had been receiving between $20,000 and $25,000 each month. UniCare Health Plan of Kansas, Inc., and Children’s Mercy Family Health Partners took over the HealthWave contracts Jan. 1, replacing FirstGuard Health Plan of Kansas.(KTKA) Cloning debate continues: As Drew Drimel sits, waiting for his turn to testify in front of Kansas lawmakers, he is shaking. It’s not nerves. Dimmel has spent many years in the TV industry. He’s not camera shy. Dimmel is shaking because he is sick.(LJW) Groups take aim at wage laws: Business lobbyists and some lawmakers on Monday sought to repeal the state minimum wage – already the lowest in the nation at $2.65 per hour – and also recommended prohibiting cities, such as Lawrence, from passing wage ordinances.(LJW) Kansans want alternative to capital punishment: Death penalty opponents Monday released a poll showing most Kansans prefer alternatives to capital punishment.(Topeka Capital-Journal) Committee blocks effort to limit judiciary: The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted down a resolution that would have brought the school finance debate back to the Senate floor. The resolution stated the funding of public education is to be “determined solely by the Legislature.” The measure also asked the Secretary of State to place the issue on the 2008 general election ballot for voters to voice their opinion.(KC Star) Phase out approved of franchise tax: The Kansas House on Monday gave initial approval to a bill to eliminate the corporate franchise tax over three years.