MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - The head of Scott Walker’s administration says the Republican governor makes smart choices in proposed state budget – while creating jobs and making government more efficient.

Mike Huebsch made the remark Tuesday, as the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee started hearing from department heads who will explain their spending requests over the next week or so.

A Democrat on the panel, La Crosse Senator Jennifer Shilling, said party is concerned about a number of budget items. The biggest include a proposed income tax cut, driving a number of BadgerCare clients to the Obama insurance exchanges, and expanding private school vouchers.

After the agencies make their cases, the finance panel will hold four public hearings around the state to get people’s input – and then they’ll consider changes to the governor’s package.