WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama says it’s inexcusable that home health care workers who care for the elderly and disabled can be paid less than minimum wage, and he’s going to change it.

The president has announced new Labor Department rules that will require those workers to be paid minimum wage, plus overtime. Currently 29 states don’t require minimum wage and overtime for home health care workers.

There are nearly 2 million such workers nationwide, and the presidents says that number will only grow as the population ages.

Obama made the announcement at the White House surrounded by home health care workers. He said they “work their tails off” and deserve to be paid fairly.

It was the latest executive action announcement by Obama aimed at pressuring lawmakers or moving forward without their help.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.