The Olive Branch Company
Mediation

Mediation In
Pennsylvania, United States

I want to

For businesses and individuals in Pennsylvania, The Olive Branch offers professional mediation services that combine global expertise with local understanding, addressing family mediation in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas, commercial disputes in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, healthcare industry disputes, employment mediation in urban areas, neighbourhood disputes in communities, real estate disputes, construction disputes, agricultural disputes in rural areas. We help resolve commercial, family, and workplace disputes in ways that preserve relationships and achieve lasting resolutions.

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Civil Mediation Council - CMC Accredited
International Mediation Institute - IMI Member

Accredited to International Standards

The Olive Branch Company operates under the highest regulatory frameworks in dispute resolution. We are fully accredited by the Civil Mediation Council (CMC) and hold membership with the International Mediation Institute (IMI), ensuring world-class standards of practice, ethics, and neutrality in every mediation we conduct.

Commercial Mediation with Clarity & Purpose

At The Olive Branch, we specialise in resolving complex conflicts with dignity, fairness, and real world results. Whether it's a commercial contract dispute, a leadership breakdown, or a cross cultural misunderstanding, we create a safe, neutral space where difficult conversations can move forward.

Commercial Mediation Professional

Tailored Expertise, Scaled for Your Dispute

No two disputes are identical, and highly technical conflicts demand specific, localised expertise. At The Olive Branch Company, we combine the personal accountability, agility, and dedicated focus of a boutique practice with the technical reach of a major institution.

While our mediations are led by our core panel, we operate through a leading, trusted network of specialists globally. Where a dispute hinges on highly technical, sector specific legal or structural nuances, such as complex construction parameters, intellectual property boundaries, or intricate corporate M&A frameworks, we engage with vetted industry experts to ensure the most appropriate resolution.

You get the rigorous, emotionally intelligent dispute management we are known for, perfectly paired with the exact sector expertise your case requires.

Industry Informed Resolution

Conflict in critical environments requires more than just legal theory, it requires real world battle scars and judicial precision. Our approach is anchored by over 30 years of global commercial leadership combined with a decade of judicial experience. This dual perspective allows us to cut through emotional noise, analyse risk with absolute clarity, and help you engineer strategic, final resolutions that protect both your financial position and your reputation.

Rather than simply managing the mechanics of a meeting, we provide the context required to reach a result that is both fair and workable within your specific circumstances.

The Olive Branch in Pennsylvania

The Olive Branch provides professional mediation services throughout Pennsylvania. Our experienced mediators work remotely to help you resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.

Our services operate within United States's legal framework: Mediation in the United States operates under a mixed framework of federal and state legislation. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 requires all federal district courts to devise and impl...

Whether you're dealing with commercial conflicts, family matters, or workplace disputes, we offer a neutral, confidential space where all parties can speak freely and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Our approach is grounded in real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges businesses and individuals face in Pennsylvania.

We understand that every dispute is unique. That's why we tailor our mediation process to your specific circumstances in Pennsylvania, ensuring that the resolution you reach is practical, lasting, and fair to everyone involved.

Cities in Pennsylvania
Abbottstown Adamstown Akron Albion Alburtis Aldan Aliquippa Alleghenyville Allentown Allison Park Almedia Altoona Ambler Ambridge Amity Gardens Ancient Oaks Annville Apollo Archbald Ardmore Arlington Heights Arnold Ashland Ashley Aspinwall Atglen Athens Audubon Avalon Avis Avoca Avon Avondale Avonia Back Mountain Baden Baidland Bainbridge Bakerstown Bala-Cynwyd Baldwin Bally Bangor Barnesboro Bath Bear Rocks Beaver Beaver Falls Beaverdale Bedford Bedminster Beech Mountain Lakes Belfast Bell Acres Belle Vernon Bellefonte Belleville Bellevue Bellwood Belmont Ben Avon Bentleyville Berlin Berwick Berwyn Bessemer Bethel Park Bethlehem Big Bass Lake Big Beaver Biglerville Birchwood Lakes Birdsboro Black Lick Blairsville Blakely Blandon Blawnox Bloomfield Bloomsburg Blossburg Blue Ball Blue Bell Boalsburg Boiling Springs Bonneauville Boothwyn Boswell Bowmansville Boyertown Brackenridge Braddock Braddock Hills Bradford Bradford Woods Breinigsville Brentwood Bressler Brickerville Bridgeport Bridgeville Bristol Brittany Farms-Highlands Brockway Brodheadsville Brookhaven Brookville Broomall Brownstown Brownsville Browntown Bryn Athyn Bryn Mawr Burgettstown Burnham Butler California Caln Calumet Cambridge Springs Camp Hill Campbelltown Canonsburg Canton Carbondale Carlisle Carnegie Carnot-Moon Carroll Valley Castanea Castle Shannon Catasauqua Catawissa Cecil-Bishop Cementon Center City Centerville Central City Centre Hall Cetronia Chalfont Chambersburg Charleroi Cherryville Chester Chester Heights Chester Springs Chesterbrook Cheswick Chevy Chase Heights Chicora Chinchilla Christiana Church Hill Churchill Churchville Clairton Clarion Clarks Green Clarks Summit Clay Claysburg Clearfield Cleona Clifton Heights Clymer Coaldale Coatesville Cochranton Collegeville Collingdale Collinsburg Colonial Park Colony Park Columbia Colwyn Conashaugh Lakes Conemaugh Conestoga Conneaut Lakeshore Connellsville Conshohocken Conway Conyngham Coopersburg Coplay Coraopolis Cornwall Cornwells Heights Corry Coudersport Crafton Cranberry Township Cresson Cressona Croydon Curtisville Curwensville Dallas Dallastown Dalton Danville Darby Davidsville Delmont Denver Derry Devon Dewart Dickson City Dillsburg Donora Dormont Dorneyville Dover Downingtown Doylestown Dravosburg Dresher Drexel Hill Dublin DuBois Duboistown Dunbar Duncannon Duncansville Dunmore Dunnstown Dupont Duquesne Duryea Eagleview Eagleville Earlston East Bangor East Berlin East Berwick East Conemaugh East Earl East Greenville East Lansdowne East McKeesport East Petersburg East Pittsburgh East Stroudsburg East Uniontown East Washington East York Eastlawn Gardens Easton Ebensburg Economy Eddington Eddystone Edgewood Edgeworth Edinboro Edwardsville Effort Egypt Elim Elizabeth Elizabethtown Elizabethville Elkland Ellport Ellwood City Elverson Elysburg Emerald Lakes Emigsville Emmaus Emporium Emsworth Enhaut Enlow Enola Ephrata Erie Espy Etna Evans City Evansburg Everett Exeter Exton Factoryville Fairchance Fairdale Fairhope Fairless Hills Fairview Fairview-Ferndale Falls Creek Farrell Faxon Fayetteville Feasterville Fellsburg Ferndale Fernway Fivepointville Fleetwood Flemington Flourtown Flying Hills Folcroft Folsom Ford City Forest City Forest Hills Fort Washington Forty Fort Foster Brook Fountain Hill Fox Chapel Fox Chase Fox Run Frackville Franklin Franklin Park Fredericksburg Freedom Freeland Freemansburg Freeport Friedens Friedensburg Fullerton Galeton Gallitzin Gap Garden View Gastonville Geistown Georgetown Gettysburg Gibsonia Gilbertsville Girard Girardville Glassport Glen Lyon Glen Rock Glenolden Glenshaw Glenside Gold Key Lake Grantley Green Tree Greencastle Greenfields Greenock Greensburg Greenville Greenwood Grill Grove City Guilford Guilford Siding Halfway House Hallam Hallstead Hamburg Hanover Harleigh Harleysville Harrisburg Harveys Lake Hasson Heights Hastings Hatboro Hatfield Hawley Hazleton Hebron Heidelberg Hellertown Hemlock Farms Hermitage Hershey Highland Park Highspire Hilldale Hiller Hokendauqua Hollidaysburg Homeacre-Lyndora Homer City Homestead Hometown Honesdale Honey Brook Hopwood Horsham Houserville Houston Hudson Hughestown Hughesville Hummels Wharf Hummelstown Huntingdon Hyde Hyde Park Imperial Indian Mountain Lake Indiana Industry Ingram Inkerman Intercourse Irwin Ivyland Jacksonwald Jacobus Jeannette Jefferson Hills Jenkintown Jermyn Jerome Jersey Shore Jessup Jim Thorpe Johnsonburg Johnstown Jonestown Kane Kenhorst Kenilworth Kenmar Kennett Square King of Prussia Kingston Kittanning Knox Kulpmont Kulpsville Kutztown Lafayette Hill Laflin Lake City Lake Heritage Lake Latonka Lake Meade Lake Wynonah Lakemont Lampeter Lancaster Landisville Langhorne Langhorne Manor Lansdale Lansdowne Lansford Laporte Larksville Latrobe Laureldale Laurys Station Lawnton Lawrence Park Lawson Heights Lebanon Lebanon South Leechburg Leesport Leetsdale Lehighton Leith-Hatfield Lemont Lemoyne Lenape Heights Leola Level Green Levittown Lewisburg Lewistown Liberty Light Street Ligonier Lima Limerick Lincoln Lincoln Park Linglestown Linntown Linwood Lionville Lititz Littlestown Lock Haven Loganville Lorane Loretto Lower Allen Lower Burrell Loyalhanna Luzerne Lykens Lynnwood-Pricedale Macungie Mahanoy City Malvern Manchester Manheim Manor Mansfield Maple Glen Marcus Hook Marianne Marienville Marietta Mars Marshallton Martinsburg Marysville Masontown Matamoras Mayfield Maytown McAdoo McConnellsburg McConnellstown McDonald McGovern McKees Rocks McKeesport McMurray McSherrystown Meadowood Meadville Mechanicsburg Mechanicsville Media Mercer Mercersburg Meridian Meyersdale Middleburg Middletown Midland Midway Mifflinburg Mifflintown Mifflinville Milesburg Milford Mill Hall Millbourne Millersburg Millersville Millvale Milroy Milton Minersville Mohnton Monaca Monessen Monongahela Monroeville Mont Alto Montgomery Montgomeryville Montoursville Montrose Moosic Morningside Morrisville Morton Moscow Mount Carmel Mount Cobb Mount Holly Springs Mount Joy Mount Lebanon Mount Oliver Mount Penn Mount Pleasant Mount Pocono Mount Union Mount Wolf Mountain Top Mountainhome Mountville Muhlenberg Park Muncy Mundys Corner Munhall Murrysville Muse Myerstown Nanticoke Nanty Glo Narberth Nazareth Nescopeck Nesquehoning New Beaver New Berlinville New Bloomfield New Brighton New Britain New Castle New Castle Northwest New Columbia New Cumberland New Eagle New Freedom New Holland New Hope New Kensington New Oxford New Philadelphia New Stanton New Wilmington Newmanstown Newport Newtown Newtown Grant Newville Nixon Norristown North Apollo North Belle Vernon North Braddock North Catasauqua North Charleroi North East North Versailles North Wales North Warren North York Northampton Northern Cambria Northumberland Northwest Harborcreek Norwood Oak Hills Oakdale Oakland Oakmont Oakwood Ohioville Oil City Old Forge Old Orchard Oley Oliver Olyphant Orchard Hills Oreland Orwigsburg Osceola Mills Oxford Palmdale Palmer Heights Palmerton Palmyra Palo Alto Paoli Paradise Park Forest Village Parkesburg Parkside Parkville Patton Paxtang Paxtonia Pen Argyl Penbrook Penn Estates Penn Hills Penn Wynne Penndel Pennsburg Pennside Pennsport Pennville Penryn Perkasie Perryopolis Philadelphia Philipsburg Phoenixville Pine Grove Pine Grove Mills Pine Ridge Pitcairn Pittsburgh Pittston Plains Pleasant Gap Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hills Plum Plumsteadville Plymouth Plymouth Meeting Pocono Pines Pocono Ranch Lands Point Marion Port Allegany Port Carbon Port Vue Portage Pottsgrove Pottstown Pottsville Progress Prospect Prospect Park Punxsutawney Pymatuning Central Quakertown Quarryville Radnor Rankin Raubsville Reading Reamstown Red Hill Red Lion Reiffton Reinholds Rennerdale Renovo Republic Reynolds Heights Reynoldsville Rheems Richboro Richland Richlandtown Ridgway Ridley Park River View Park Riverside Roaring Spring Robesonia Rochester Rockledge Roseto Rothsville Royalton Royersford Russell Russellton Rutherford Saint Clair Saint Lawrence Saint Marys Salix Salunga Sanatoga Sand Hill Sandy Saw Creek Saxonburg Saylorsburg Sayre Schlusser Schnecksville Schoeneck Schuylkill Haven Schwenksville Scotland Scottdale Scranton Selinsgrove Sellersville Seneca Seven Fields Sewickley Shamokin Shamokin Dam Shanor-Northvue Sharon Sharon Hill Sharpsburg Sharpsville Shavertown Sheffield Shenandoah Shenandoah Heights Shillington Shiloh Shinglehouse Shippensburg Shiremanstown Shoemakersville Shrewsbury Sierra View Simpson Sinking Spring Skippack Skyline View Slatington Slippery Rock Smethport Somerset Souderton South Coatesville South Connellsville South Greensburg South Park Township South Pottstown South Temple South Uniontown South Waverly South Williamsport Southmont Southwest Greensburg Spangler Speers Spinnerstown Spring City Spring Grove Spring House Spring Mount Spring Ridge Springdale Springfield Spry State College State Line Steelton Stewartstown Stiles Stoneboro Stony Creek Mills Stonybrook Stormstown Stowe Strasburg Stroudsburg Sturgeon Sugarcreek Summit Hill Sun Valley Sunbury Sunrise Lake Susquehanna Susquehanna Trails Swarthmore Swartzville Swissvale Swoyersville Sykesville Tacony Tamaqua Tannersville Tarentum Tatamy Taylor Telford Temple Terre Hill The Hideout Thompsonville Thorndale Throop Tinicum Tionesta Tipton Titusville Toftrees Topton Toughkenamon Towamensing Trails Towanda Tower City Trafford Trainer Trappe Treasure Lake Tremont Trevorton Trevose Trexlertown Trooper Troy Trucksville Tullytown Tunkhannock Turtle Creek Tyrone Union City Uniontown Upland Upper Saint Clair Valley Green Valley View Vandergrift Verona Versailles Village Green-Green Ridge Village Shires Vinco Wallenpaupack Lake Estates Walnutport Warminster Heights Warren Washington Waterford Watsontown Waymart Wayne Wayne Heights Waynesboro Waynesburg Weatherly Weigelstown Weissport East Wellsboro Wernersville Wescosville Wesleyville West Chester West Conshohocken West Easton West Fairview West Grove West Hamburg West Hazleton West Hills West Homestead West Kittanning West Lawn West Leechburg West Mayfield West Mifflin West Newton West Norriton West Pittston West Reading West View West Wyoming West Wyomissing West York Westfield Westmont Wharton Whitaker White Haven White Oak Whitehall Whitfield Whitman Wickerham Manor-Fisher Wilkes-Barre Wilkinsburg Williamsburg Williamsport Williamstown Willow Grove Willow Street Wilmerding Wilson Wind Gap Windber Windsor Wolfdale Womelsdorf Woodbourne Woodland Heights Woodlyn Woodside Wormleysburg Woxall Wrightsville Wyncote Wyndmoor Wyoming Wyomissing Wyomissing Hills Yardley Yeadon Yeagertown Yoe York Yorklyn Youngsville Youngwood Zelienople Zion

State Mediation Research

State Laws

Mediation in Pennsylvania operates under state legislation and federal law. Pennsylvania Divorce Code requires mediation in custody disputes. Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure encourage alternative dispute resolution. Pennsylvania Alternative Dispute Resolution Act provides framework for mediation. Pennsylvania has mandatory mediation programmes in many courts. Mediation is fundamentally voluntary and confidential. Effective January 27, 2025, Act 123 of 2024 established a new independent mediated settlement process for tax appeals before the Board of Finance and Revenue. The process involves a Board-appointed mediator with substantial state taxation experience and temporarily stays the statutory period for final decisions during mediation.

Court-Mandated Programs

Pennsylvania has mandatory mediation in custody disputes under the Divorce Code. Pennsylvania courts have mandatory mediation programmes for many civil cases. Pennsylvania courts can refer parties to mediation and may adjourn proceedings to allow mediation to occur. Courts have discretion to refer parties to mediation and may consider costs orders where parties unreasonably refuse to mediate. Pennsylvania has a strong court connected mediation system.

Licensing Requirements

There is no statutory licensing requirement for mediators in Pennsylvania. However, professional accreditation is available through recognised bodies. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) provides mediation training and certification. The International Mediation Institute (IMI) provides international certification. The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) provides professional standards. Pennsylvania has specific requirements for family mediators in court connected programmes. Continuing professional development must maintain accreditation.

Local Court Systems

Pennsylvania has a court system with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, and Courts of Common Pleas. Courts of Common Pleas handle civil and family matters. Pennsylvania has a strong court connected mediation system. Courts in Pennsylvania have ADR programmes and mediation schemes. Local courts may have specific mediation programmes and referral procedures.

Fee Structures

Commercial mediation in Pennsylvania costs approximately USD $300-$600 per hour or daily rates of USD $2,000-$4,000. Family mediation typically costs USD $150-$400 per hour. Court-connected mediation may be subsidised or free in some programmes. Small claims mediation may be free or low-cost. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. Legal Aid may be available for family mediation in eligible cases. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant.

Bar Association Rules

The Pennsylvania Bar Association provides guidance on mediation for lawyers. Lawyers should advise clients about mediation as an alternative to court proceedings. The Bar provides practice notes on mediation obligations. Lawyers must ensure clients understand the benefits and limitations of mediation. The Bar offers information and resources on mediation. Pennsylvania lawyers follow both national and state guidance on mediation.

Regional Dispute Patterns

family mediation in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metropolitan areas, commercial disputes in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, healthcare industry disputes, employment mediation in urban areas, neighbourhood disputes in communities, real estate disputes, construction disputes, agricultural disputes in rural areas

Sources
Last reviewed: June 2026

United States Mediation Research

Legal Framework

Mediation in the United States operates under a mixed framework of federal and state legislation. The Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 requires all federal district courts to devise and implement their own ADR programmes, including mediation. The Act authorises courts to mandate ADR processes in all civil actions, except arbitration which requires party consent. Many states have adopted the Uniform Mediation Act (UMA) which provides a framework for mediation confidentiality and privilege. Family mediation requirements vary significantly by state, with some states requiring mediation for custody disputes and others making it voluntary. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure were amended on 1 December 2025 to address compliance with Rule 26(b)(5)(A) regarding claims of privilege and protection as trial-preparation material, and to add new Rule 16.1 for multidistrict litigation proceedings. California AB-1523 (enacted, effective 1 January 2027) increases court-ordered mediation threshold from $50,000 to $75,000 and establishes conditions for court-ordered mediation. California SB 253 (effective 1 January 2026) created a State Bar certification program for ADR providers. Texas HB 2495 (effective 1 September 2025) requires separate allocation of three educational rights in family mediation agreements. Texas SB 2544 (effective 1 September 2025) established mediation for out-of-network health benefit claims. Florida amended Rule 1.730 (effective 1 April 2025) to allow party representatives with full settlement authority to sign mediation agreements. Mediation is fundamentally voluntary and confidential, operating on a without prejudice basis. The United States has signed and ratified the Singapore Convention on Mediation (2019).

While United States operates under this legal framework, The Olive Branch's remote mediators bypass local court backlogs by providing swift, confidential, and mutually agreed-upon resolutions online.

Court System

Federal courts are required by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 1998 to implement ADR programmes, including mediation. Federal district courts have broad discretion to refer parties to mediation and may adjourn proceedings to allow mediation to occur. The Southern District of New York adopted an employment discrimination mediation protocol in September 2025 with 30-day and 60-day deadlines. The Western District of Pennsylvania revised ADR policies in January 2025 establishing ADR Judge oversight and neutral qualifications. The Northern District of New York established a Mandatory Mediation Plan in February 2025 with automatic referral for non-exempt civil cases. State courts have varying approaches to mediation, with many having court connected mediation programmes. Some states have mandatory mediation for certain types of cases, particularly family law matters involving children. Courts may consider costs orders where parties unreasonably refuse to mediate. The judiciary generally supports mediation as an efficient alternative to litigation. The emphasis on early resolution in the American court system contributes to successful mediation outcomes. Federal and state courts increasingly use mediation to reduce case backlogs.

Mediator Regulations

Mediator accreditation in the United States is primarily provided through professional bodies rather than statutory regulation. The American Arbitration Association (AAA) is a leading organisation providing mediation services and training. The International Mediation Institute (IMI) provides international certification recognised in the US. Many states have their own mediator certification programmes, particularly for family mediation. The Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR) provides professional standards and certification. The National Association for Community Mediation (NACM) supports community mediation. For family mediation, requirements vary by state, with some states requiring specific training and certification. The ABA and AFCC revised Model Standards of Practice for Family and Divorce Mediation in July 2025. Florida Rules for Certified and Court-Appointed Mediators were amended in January 2025, increasing mentorship requirements to 40 points, requiring mentorship by at least two different mediators, and adding a clear conflict of interest definition. California SB 253 (effective 1 January 2026) created a State Bar certification program requiring ADR providers to ensure mediators comply with ethical standards equivalent to court-connected mediation rules. Illinois amended Supreme Court Rule 905 (effective 1 January 2026) updating family mediator training requirements. Indiana comprehensively revised Alternative Dispute Resolution Rules (effective 1 January 2026) updating mediator qualifications and training. Continuing professional development is typically required to maintain accreditation. No national statutory accreditation requirement exists, but professional certification is increasingly expected.

Cultural Approach

American culture values individual rights, direct communication, and pragmatic problem solving. There is a strong preference for resolving disputes through negotiation and avoiding adversarial court proceedings where possible. The litigious culture in the US has led to strong support for mediation as an alternative to expensive litigation. Family mediation is particularly valued for its ability to help families reach amicable arrangements for children. In commercial contexts, the focus is on preserving business relationships and finding practical solutions. The United States' diverse population influences mediation practices, with cultural sensitivity being important. The informal, direct communication style in American culture suits mediation well. The emphasis on efficiency and cost-effectiveness aligns with mediation principles.

Typical Costs

Mediation costs in the United States vary widely depending on the state, type of dispute, mediator experience, and case complexity. Family mediation typically costs USD $150-$400 per hour. Commercial mediators may charge USD $300-$600 per hour or daily rates of USD $2,000-$5,000. Court-connected mediation programmes may be subsidised or free in some jurisdictions. California AB-1523 (effective 1 January 2027) provides court-appointed mediators at no cost to parties when they cannot agree on a mediator. Legal Aid may be available for family mediation in eligible cases, though availability varies by state. Costs are typically shared between parties unless otherwise agreed. The cost savings compared to litigation are significant, with mediation often costing 5-15% of litigation costs. Some courts provide free or low-cost mediation programmes. The Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provides mediation for federal labour disputes at no cost to parties.

Sources

Our Mediation Process

The Initial Consultation

We meet with you to understand your situation, what matters to you, and what justice looks like for you. You tell us your story in your own words, and we explain how mediation could help you achieve it.

Preparation and Contextual Review

We prepare thoroughly so you don't have to. We review the relevant information privately, ensuring we understand the full context before bringing everyone together. You'll know what to expect and can prepare for the conversation ahead.

Setting the Environment

We create a confidential space where you can speak freely and be heard on equal terms. You'll have the opportunity to speak directly to those who need to hear your experience, and we ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

The Facilitated Negotiation

We facilitate a dialogue where you can seek accountability and ask for the change you need to see. You remain in control of the outcome while we help craft solutions that fit your specific circumstances rather than applying a standard approach.

Finalising the Resolution

We conclude with a clear agreement that reflects what matters to you. The resolution is shaped by your needs and gives you a practical path forward, with the understanding that the experience of being heard is as important as the outcome itself.

Continue your search for resolution

Every dispute is personal and complex. We are here to provide the neutral space and expert guidance you need to find a lasting resolution in Pennsylvania.

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