Amazon.com is facing a backlash in California where a group of citizens, supported in part by Democratic politicians, is urging a boycott of the Seattle online retailer.

Operating under the name ThinkBeforeYouClickCA, the organization is attempting to put pressure on Amazon to collect sales taxes on purchases made in the state, reports The Bay Citizen. A press event was set for today in Sacramento to kick off the initiative.

The group — which is encouraging supporters to cancel their Amazon accounts — writes on its Web site:

Every Californian has been affected by the cuts to balance California’s budget, none more than low-income seniors, students and people with disabilities. Now, online retail giant Amazon.comwants to overturn the one small victory we won this year in our campaign to close corporate tax loopholes: the Sales Tax law that would require online vendors to collect sales tax just as California’s “bricks and mortar” vendors do. This law will provide California with $200 million in desperately needed revenues to prevent further cuts to vital public services, while helping local business by closing the loophole that lets online retailers like Amazon.com undercut them.

Amazon has pledged to fight efforts in California that would force it to collect sales tax, saying last month that it would support a referendum to repeal the sales tax initiative. The Bay Citizen reports that the retailer has already spent $3 million on the effort so far.

“We support this referendum against the recent sales tax legislation because, with unemployment at well over 11 per cent, Californians deserve a voice and a choice about jobs, investment and the state’s economic future,” said Amazon.com Vice President Paul Misener in a statement sent to The Financial Times.

Previously on GeekWire: Amazon cuts ties with California affiliates over proposed tax law

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