The Oregon Growth Account takes lottery dollars and invests the money in Oregon companies. State Treasurer Ted Wheeler says the companies can come from anywhere in the state. Typically the process to investment begins with a pitch to a board of five, which he chairs. “The OGA has been around since the 90’s; but this year is seeing a big jump in the total payroll for companies it's invested in.” Last year, aggregate payroll was at just over $30 million. This year, it's jumped to $42 million with investments in 80 companies across the state.