SAN DIEGO -- Californians pay the highest taxes in the United States, and one local group is trying to change that.

The group has started a campaign to bring awareness to government overspending and high taxes.

The grass-roots organization is called Stop Taxing Us, with members from the North County.

"I don't think there's a lot of Americans that can actually stand any more of this. We're to the breaking point. We're angry and this is it ... and it's not the end. This is the beginning," said Stop Taxing Us member Jim Bedz.

"The word government itself has become synonymous with the word waste," said member Rhonda Deni.

California has one of the highest income taxes, sales tax and car tax rates in the U.S.

Sen. Dennis Hollingsworth, when interviewed at the Capitol, said raising taxes is the worst thing to do in a recession.

"Very simply, tax increases means less jobs. It means that businesses have to cut jobs in order to pay for those increases. It means individuals buy less," said Hollingsworth. "The best thing is that the state needs to be about stimulating the economy in a real way, in the ways that work and holding the line on spending."

Right now, California is facing a $6 billion deficit.

10News asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was in San Diego Wednesday, about his plans to strengthen the economy. He said he believed taxes are crucial to maintain services.

"Someone has to pay for the programs. Someone has to pay for public education. Someone has to pay for law enforcement," said Schwarzenegger.

Schwarzenegger also said the state has controls in place to make sure every dollar is spent wisely.

However, Stop Taxing Us doesn't believe the government is doing enough.

"I think it's our last chance to change the government … in my opinion they've been stealing from us," said Bedz.

The group is holding its version of the Boston Tea party on April 15.

The event begins at the Oceanside City Hall at 6:15 p.m.