Little-discussed provisions in Gov. Scott Walker's controversial budget repair bill would greatly increase the number of employees that Walker appointees could hire and fire, deepening his administration's influence within state agencies.

The proposals call for converting 37 top agency attorneys, communications officials and legislative liaisons from civil service positions to appointed positions. Currently, agency heads can appoint 70 such positions in departments controlled by the governor, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis of the bill.

David Vergeront, retired chief legal counsel for the Office of State Employment Relations, said the changes would give the Republican governor greater authority to hire, fire and move key employees to carry out his agenda.

"I see it from the standpoint that you want someone that's going to be working with you," Vergeront said.

Vergeront said the downside of appointed positions is that an agency can end up with "yes men" or less qualified employees. On the other hand, it can take months to advertise an opening, test and interview candidates for a civil service position, he said.