Reynolds: Iowa is known for ‘welcoming’ refugees

DES MOINES - Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Monday did not rule out Iowa hosting Middle East refugees, saying she hopes the federal government will communicate with state leaders if that happens.

Reynolds filled in for Gov. Terry Branstad at the administration's weekly news conference at the Iowa Capitol. Branstad is conducting a trade mission in South Korea and Japan.

President Barack Obama has said the United States will take in roughly 10,000 Syrian refugees over the next year.

'Iowa, I think, is known for being welcoming for refugees,” Reynolds said. 'We would hope that (the federal government) would keep the communication open and transparent and have us be more of a partner. And then I think it's extremely important that we are mindful of Homeland Security and their ability to handle the refugees as they come in while we're protecting Americans.”

Some conservatives have expressed concerns with the United States accepting Syrian refugees, opening the possibility that terrorist groups will use the opportunity to place terrorists inside the United States.

Reynolds said the administration hopes 'to have a conversation with the State Department and the president's office” about the refugees.

Trump and women

Reynolds said she finds unacceptable some of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments about women.

Trump, the outspoken front-runner in the Republican presidential race, caught some heat for a recent comment about fellow candidate Carly Fiorina's looks.

Reynolds said such comments feed the 'phony narrative” of Republicans waging a 'war on women.”

'I think I've indicated that personally I don't find that acceptable,” Reynolds said. 'I don't think (those comments) are productive. There's no room for it. There's no place for it. There's nothing to be gained from that.”

Reynolds said Iowa voters eventually will require more substantive policies and ideas from presidential hopefuls.

Apprenticeships

Reynolds also touted a $3 million state program designed to encourage more participation in apprenticeships. She said the program can help fill the skilled worker gap that employers say exists in Iowa and across the country.

A state analysis shows participation in apprenticeships grew almost 12 percent in Iowa from 2013 to 2014, with more growth anticipated this year.

'We're encouraged by the numbers that show that we are growing our pipeline for the future,” Reynolds said.