MURRYSVILLE — Murrysville Council has rejected a proposal to allow gas drilling under a community park.

The council on Wednesday voted down a measure to solicit bids for Marcellus shale gas rights under Murrysville Community Park.

About 15 residents applauded when council president Joan Kerns said Murrysville would instead focus on updating the Westmoreland County municipality's drilling ordinance.

Monroeville-based Huntley & Huntley submitted a lease offer earlier this year, prompting officials to consider soliciting bids for the gas rights to the 262-acre park.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's nominee to take over the federal health care agency — and assume responsibility for his health care overhaul — is making her first appearance before senators who will help decide her confirmation.Sylvia Mathews Burwell was to testify today before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, the first of two Senate committees that will hold hearings on her nomination.

WASHINGTON — Top health insurance companies told members of Congress Wednesday that more than 80 percent of people who've signed up under the president's new health care law have gone on to pay their premiums — a necessary step for the enrollment figures touted by the Obama administration to hold up.Aetna reported payment rates in “the low- to mid-80 percent range;” Wellpoint said the rate was as high as 90 percent for those whose premium had come due; the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association said 80 to 85 percent; and the Health Care Service Corporation, which sells Blue Cross Blue Shield plans in five states, pegged the rate at 83 percent or above.