US President Barack Obama on Thursday warned states to spend the US$787 billion stimulus package wisely, otherwise they might lose more help.

"If we see money being misspent, we're going to put a stop to it," Obama said during a White House conference with state officials.

"We're going to need to work really hard. We're going to need to make sure every single dollar is well spent," said the president.

Obama acknowledged that it is "very tough work" for the local officials to spend a lot of money quickly, but he said he has "great confidence" in the officials.

"It's rare where you get a chance to put your shoulder to the wheel of history and move it in a better direction," said Obama. "This is such an opportunity. I hope all of you seize it."

Earlier, Vice President Joe Biden, who opened the one-day meeting, sent the same-tone message to the local officials.

"If we don't get this right, folks, this is the end of the ability to convince Congress that anything should go to the states," said Biden.

"We are all on the line," said the vice president, who was in charge of the stimulus package. "The American people are looking for us to get this right. And you need to do that."

(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2009)