LANSING, Mich. – The Republican leaders in the House and Senate filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, alleging her extension of the state of emergency over the coronavirus pandemic was unlawful.

The law in Michigan is “very clear,” House Speaker Lee Chatfield said at a Capitol news conference. “Only the Legislature has the power to extend the state of emergency.”

The lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, said Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey.

“The Legislature is left with no choice but to seek the court’s intervention to restore constitutional order,” said Shirkey.