(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Bev Perdue issued an executive order that directs state agencies to accept all at-risk children in the early education program formerly known as More at Four and tells lawmakers to fully fund the initiative.

The order comes in response to a ruling from Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning, who struck down a funding formula that limited enrollment for at-risk students. The move could essentially lead to tens of thousands of additional 4-year-olds being allowed to enroll in the program. However, the order doesn’t specify how to pay for the change.

Perdue spokeswoman Chris Mackey said lawmakers may now have to adjust the state budget in order to guarantee a sound, basic education for all children. “It’s inconsistent with what we have written down in our constitution for our students, so the General Assembly will have to look to find ways to meet our obligation,” said Mackey.

Republican lawmakers were quick to question whether Perdue had the power to issue the order. “It appears the governor is trying to give herself a line-item veto and that’s authority she doesn’t have,” said Rep. Justin Burr, R-Stanly. “She’s trying to pick and choose portions of our budget and get rid of them.”

“Taking a page from Washington's playbook, the governor is trying to force higher taxes and spend millions the state doesn't have – putting North Carolina's AAA bond rating at risk,” Senate president Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said in a prepared statement. “She should immediately seek clarification from the courts before playing games with the Constitution and sending our state down a fiscally reckless path.”

GOP leaders also indicated that they want to appeal Judge Manning’s latest ruling. However, it’s unclear whether the legislature could force the Attorney General to pursue the legal challenge.