Missouri Gov. Nixon: More funds needed for National Guard troops, state police responding in Ferguson

Saying that "time is of the essence," Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon called on state legislators Friday night, asking for a special state legislative session to address "critical funding" needs, CNN reports.

Nixon has deployed National Guard troops, along with state police, to the city of Ferguson following the August fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. This week's decision by a grand jury not to indict police officer Darren Wilson has spurred more violent protests in Ferguson and beyond.

Missouri's budget allots $4 million for its National Guard emergency response, along with another $3.4 million for the state's emergency response (which includes state troopers). Nixon did not detail how much more money is needed, but he asked state legislators to meet quickly so that Guard members can be paid on Dec. 15.

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